Arsenic naturally occurs in the environment as an odorless, tasteless, semi-metal element. It can get into drinking water supplies drawn from groundwater that contains arsenic from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices.
Arsenic has been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate. Non-cancer effects can include thickening and discoloration of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; and blindness.
To protect an estimated 13 million Americans, the U.S. EPA lowered the acceptable limit for arsenic from 50 ppb (parts per billion) to 10 ppb, and water systems had to comply with the new rules by January 2006.
Siemens offers a number of solutions, including granular ferric hydroxide, to help communities meet new arsenic removal guidelines. Additional technologies include:
- Aerators
- Filters
- Membranes
- Clarifiers
- Unique package plants that combine these many of these treatment steps.
Siemens also provides pilot treatment systems and analytical testing to document the efficacy of treatment prior to installation.
Municipal Drinking Water Treatment Solutions