Arsenic Removal Systems & Well Water Treatment
Arsenic is a naturally occurring, toxic heavy metal found in groundwater throughout west-central Minnesota. As water flows through subterranean rock, dissolved inorganic arsenic seeps into private wells.
Because arsenic is completely odorless, tasteless, and invisible, it cannot be detected without state-certified laboratory testing. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) estimates that roughly 10% of private wells in Minnesota contain naturally occurring arsenic levels exceeding the safe drinking water limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb).
BHU Water helps homeowners navigate state-certified well water testing and installs specialized household treatment systems engineered to reliably remove arsenic and restore safe drinking water to Lakes Area homes and properties.
The Health Risks of Arsenic in Well Water
Inorganic arsenic in drinking water poses significant long-term health risks. Extended exposure to elevated levels is linked to:
- Increased risk of bladder, lung, liver, and skin cancers
- Cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
- Neurological issues and impaired cognitive development in children
- Skin lesions, corns, and hyperpigmentation
Note: Standard water softeners, sediment filters, and basic whole house carbon filters do not remove arsenic. Boiling water is also ineffective, as evaporation concentrates the remaining mineral levels.
Arsenic Reduction Solutions
Because water chemistry varies by property, system selection depends on whether you need point-of-use drinking water or complete whole-house filtration.
Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
While a standard reverse osmosis system removes a portion of arsenic, a standard unit alone does not eliminate all of it. BHU Water installs customized RO systems equipped with a specialized arsenic filter stage to ensure complete, effective removal at your tap.
- Application: Dedicated drinking and cooking water at the kitchen sink or refrigerator ice maker.
- Configuration: Compact multi-stage under-counter units with dedicated drinking faucets and specialized arsenic media cartridges.
Whole-House Adsorptive Media Systems
An adsorptive media whole house water filter directs incoming well water through a specialized resin tank that electrostatically attracts and binds arsenic ions, removing them before water enters your plumbing lines.
- Application: Treating all water entering the home (showers, sinks, appliances).
- Configuration: Automatic backwashing media tanks requiring no ongoing chemical additives.
Dual-Treatment Systems
For wells with complex water issues—such as hard water, iron, or odor alongside arsenic—BHU Water builds combined water treatment layouts using heavy-duty water softeners and targeted media filters.
Technical Specifications & Service Comparison
| Feature | Point-of-Use RO (with Arsenic Filter) | Adsorptive Media Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Scope | Point-of-use (Sink/Ice Maker) | Point-of-entry (Whole House) |
| Primary Target | Arsenic (complete removal via spec filter), Nitrates, Lead, TDS | Inorganic Arsenic (Species III & V) |
| Maintenance | Annual filter changes & membrane checks | Media replacement every 3–5 years |
| Water Requirement | Requires adequate feed pressure | Sized to match household peak flow rate (GPM) |
Testing & System Design Process
- State-Certified Water Testing: We help you send well water samples to state-certified laboratories to accurately measure total arsenic levels and identify secondary minerals (such as iron or manganese) that impact filtration performance.
- System Sizing: Equipment is tailored based on certified test results, daily water consumption, and household flow rate requirements.
- Installation & Maintenance: Complete setup, verification testing, and ongoing filter replacement services are handled by our local technicians.
Looking for a reliable water filtration system near you?
Protect your home’s water supply with certified treatment equipment. Contact us at (218) 346-6445, submit an online free consultation request, or email office@bhuwater.com to get started with state-certified well water testing.