The staff of Water Technology would like to thank all of the respondents to a recent survey. The Arsenic Issues and Trends survey’s goals were to find out how prevalent arsenic contamination is today, if dealers are satisfied with the current information and treatment solutions available, testing and treatment methods and much more. Below are the complete results of the survey.

Thank you once again for those who took the time to complete this survey.

 

 

1. Is arsenic contamination a common problem with your customers?

Yes – 73%

No – 27%

 

 

 

2. Are you completely satisfied with the amount of resources, including treatment options and information, currently available?

Yes – 41%

No – 29%

Yes, to information; no, to treatment options – 22%

Yes, to treatment options, no to information – 8%

 

 

3. If you answered no to the previous question, please list some information or treatment challenges you currently face with arsenic. (Only a few responses are listed below. For the complete list, click here)
  • BAT is adsorbtive resin - not enough competition in manufacture - cost is crippling for the residential market.
  • Pretreatment.
  • Regeneration services, waste stream processes/services, irregular/variable regulation enforcement.
  • Finding a sustainable way to treat for arsenic. The elimination of disposal of arsenic in standard landfills is becoming a concern.
  • Continuous monitoring/recording.
  • Very expensive to replace resin and customers get very sticker shocked.

 

4. How often do you recommend customers in your area treat for arsenic?

Once a year – 21%

Multiple times a year (two or more) – 59%

Once every two years – 4%

Never – 16%

 

 

5. Which species of arsenic do you most often encounter?

Arsenic (III) – 55%

Arsenic (V) – 45%

 

 

6. Are you satisfied with the level of handheld testing equipment available for arsenic?

Yes – 36%

No – 64%

 

 

7. EPA’s current MCL for arsenic is .010 parts per million. In your opinion, should this limit be adjusted to promote lower levels of arsenic, allow for higher levels of arsenic or is it just right?

EPA should promote lower levels of arsenic – 38%

EPA should promote allowing higher levels of arsenic – 14% 

EPA got it just right – 48%

 

 

8. What are your customers’ primary reason(s) for treating an arsenic situation? Check all that apply.

Protect young or elderly residents – 34%

Protect overall family’s health – 60%

Arsenic is common in the area – 34%

Preventative step – 29%

Color, odor or taste concerns – 8%

Family/friend recommendation – 9%

Other, please specify – 28% (click here to view responses)