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You are > Home > Arsenic found in drinking water
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Monday, September 24, 2007
Arsenic found in drinking water
by Deborah Coleman
TESTS HAVE revealed that elevated levels of the poisonous chemical element arsenic have been detected in a group water scheme in Monamolin.
Residents of a total of 22 separate houses and the local national school have been warned under no circumstances are they to use the water for either drinking or food preparation even if it is boiled.
According to a spokesperson for Wexford County Council the expected source of the arsenic is the underlying geology of the region.
“The origin of the arsenic is most likely the underlying geology of the area (as there is no local industrial source) which consists of dark grey slates and siltstone with occasional granite intrusions.”
The results of the recent analysis carried out on drinking water samples showed that the levels were significantly above the regulation amount at 67 parts per billion.
The maximum level permitted is ten parts per billion.
Supplementary tests are currently underway at a number of other wells in the area and results are expected within ten days.
In addition, Wexford County Council technical staff is sourcing an arsenic removal system for the Group Water scheme as a matter of urgency.
Following discussions with the HSE it was recommended that leaflet drop should be carried out as well as bottled water distribution.
A spokesperson at Monamolin National School told the Gorey Echo that the news will not really effect the school as they have not been drinking the group scheme water for a number of years.
“We have not used that water for over two years ever since it was a brownish colour at one stage. We wanted to be on the safe side so we installed a Ballygowan system.
Regulations in the case of water supplies serving 50500 persons require that two ‘check’ samples (involving 15 parameters not including arsenic) be taken and at the discretion of the local authority one ‘audit’ sample be taken.
It was decided that Monamolin would be audited every two years.
A spokesperson for the HSE made the following statement.
“Arsenic is a metalloid, which occurs naturally in soil and rocks. Erosion of these can cause arsenic to be released into water sources. Very low levels of arsenic are normally found in drinking water. Long-term exposure to arsenic via drinking water has been associated with some increased cancer risk but given the levels of arsenic found in this supply, it is unlikely that any adverse health affects will arise.
“There are drinkingwater guidelines in place that are protective of health, which, in this instance, have been exceeded. However, these guidelines are set assuming a lifetime exposure and therefore the level to which consumers have been exposed to date is unlikely to result in any adverse health effects.”
Residents of the area who may have non-medical queries should contact Wexford County Council at: 0539176343 (Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.) 1890 666777 (weekends and after-hours) and for medical related queries the Health Service Executive at 0539123522 Ext 124 (Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m).
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