It's hard to believe that water that looks, smells and tastes just fine may not be safe to drink. But the truth is that some wells in Hopewell Valley produce water that contain unsafe levels of arsenic. Arsenic is a part if the earth's crust and occurs naturally in some soil and rock. According to the New Jersey Geological Survey, some aquifers of the Piedmont Province (a geologic area that includes Hopewell Valley) contain elevated levels of arsenic. The arsenic that is present naturally can leach into groundwater, and groundwater is the primary source of drinking water for many homes in Hopewell Valley. Despite its reputation as a deadly poison, arsenic is like any toxic substance in that its effects depend on how much and how long people are exposed to it. New regulations put into effect a few weeks ago stipulate that well water contain arsenic in quantities of no more than 5 parts per billion (5 micrograms per liter). In testimony before the United States House of Representatives in 2001, the National Resources Defense Council recommended that an even lower standard of 3 ppb (3 micrograms per liter) be established. There is continuing debate on the lowest, safest levels, but the consensus is clear that levels above 5 ppb can pose a health threat over time and need to be remediated. # # # # # # |