New Arsenic Regulation
Arsenic contamination of drinking water sources may result from either natural or human activities. Volcanic activity erosion of rocks and minerals, and forest fires are natural sources that can release arsenic into the environment. Although about 90% of the arsenic used by industry is for wood pereservative purposes, it is also used in paints, drugs, dyes, soaps, metals, and semiconductors. Agriculture applications mining and smelting also contribute to the release of arsenic. Arsenic is usually found in the environment combined with other elements such as oxygen, chlorine and sulfer (inorganic arsenic) or combined with carbon and hydrogen (organic arsenic). Organic forms are usually less harmful than inorganic forms.

Results for samples collected by the Municipal Authority of the City of New Kensington were less than 5 ppb (not detected). Some areas of the country have unusually high natural levels of arsenic in rock, which can lead to unusually high levels of arsenic in water.

In January 2001, the U.S. EPA lowered the arsenic Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) from 50 ppb to 10 ppb in responce to new and compelling research linking high arsenic levels in drinking water to certain forms of cancer. All water utilities are required to implement this new MCL starting 2006.

The removal of arsenic from drinking water is a costly procedure but well worth the expenditure considering the health benefits. For a more complete discussion vist the U.S. EPA's arsenic Web site at www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html.

2006 REPORT TO CONSUMERS ON WATER QUALITY
Water Quality Report   •    Continuing Our Commitment
Community Participation   •    Information on the Internet
Where Does My Water Come From?   •    Source Water Assessment
Substances that might be in Drinking Water    •    Is it Safe to Drink from a Garden Hose?
How is My Water Treated and Purified?    •    Sampling Results
New Arsenic Regulations    •    Important Health Information