Arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that is odorless, tasteless and colorless. Many consumers seem surprised when they receive a laboratory water analysis and find arsenic in their well water. Education and communication is key to a successful relationship between the consumer and water treatment service provider. When consumers understand what arsenic is, how it gets into their water, why it should be removed, how it's removed and why maintenance and monitoring of treatment systems is so important, they typically feel informed and appreciate the service you provide, understanding the costs associated with the necessary service.

This author’s article includes:

• The preparation needed to design a proper proposal for an arsenic removal system. These steps include: A current water analysis, arsenic speculation, consumer water usage and site information and arsenic removal system design.

• Developing the right treatment solution. Once you have gathered the required information, the water treatment service provider can provide the consumer with a comprehensive, effective treatment solution.

• These solutions include: Getting a quotation for an arsenic removal system and its equipment, a quotation for pretreatment and description of equipment and functions, maintenance costs associated with all proposed equipment, including material replacement, labor and water testing monitoring fees and providing a monitoring program for the arsenic removal system and pretreatment.

• Providing a comprehensive and quality follow-up service after installation to make the consumer feel comfortable and confident. Keys to making this happen include:

      - Training service technicians on the negative health implications of arsenic and other contaminants in well water as well as the various characteristics of well water.

      - Technician training on the importance of pretreatment and its impact on the performance on arsenic removal systems and savings to the consumer and service provider.

      - Providing a service technician with an onsite checklist and procedure for servicing arsenic removal systems helps to provide consistency and complete service.

      - Providing a quick response time to consumers with laboratory test results and the importance of being armed with the right information.

      - Follow-up with an unresponsive consumer whose system requires service.

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Laura B. Maass, MPH, is a residential and commercial water treatment consultant for Atlas Watersystems Inc. Maass has a B.A. from Connecticut College and a Masters in Environmental Public Health from Boston University. Maass has worked in the water treatment industry since 1999, where her work experience has included many aspects of drinking water system applications, design, installation, sales, compliance and manufacturing. Atlas Watersystems is a New England-based regional company, specializing in water treatment design, installation and service of residential, commercial, high purity and foodservice applications.