Arsenic in Drinking Water — Northshore Utility Distr...
Northshore Utility District · Kenmore, WA · 105,105 people served
Data: EPA SDWIS, ECHO, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report
Arsenic Detected in Northshore Utility District
Arsenic was detected at 280 ppb in the Northshore Utility District water system serving Kenmore (WA), exceeding the EPA limit of 10 ppb.
This system serves approximately 105,105 people across 1 ZIP code.
Data source: 2023 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) and EPA SDWIS/ECHO.
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 280 ppb | 10 ppb | Violation |
Health Effects of Arsenic
The EPA classifies arsenic as a Group A human carcinogen. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water — even at levels below the MCL — increases the risk of bladder, lung, skin, kidney, and liver cancer. Non-cancer effects include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, skin lesions (darkening and thickening), peripheral neuropathy, and immune system suppression. Children exposed to arsenic may experience cognitive development problems.
Source: ATSDR — Arsenic Toxicological Profile; EPA.
EPA Standard
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic is 10 ppb, governed by the Arsenic Rule (2006). Water systems that exceed this limit must notify consumers and take corrective action.
What You Can Do
- Install a reverse osmosis system — the most reliable arsenic removal technology for homes
- Use a point-of-use filter certified to NSF 53 for arsenic reduction
- Have your water tested by an EPA-certified lab — especially if you use a private well
- If arsenic is naturally occurring in your area, consider whole-house treatment
- Do not rely on standard carbon filters — most do not remove arsenic
- If on a private well, test annually; arsenic levels can fluctuate seasonally
Recommended Water Filters
The most effective treatment for arsenic removal is Reverse Osmosis.
| Filter Type | Effectiveness | NSF Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 95-99% | NSF 58 | Most effective for both arsenate (As V) and arsenite (As III) |
| Adsorptive Media (iron-based) | 90-95% | NSF 53 | Effective for arsenate; may need pre-oxidation for arsenite |
| Distillation | 98%+ | NSF 62 | Very effective but impractical for large volumes |
ZIP Codes Served by This System
Check water quality for your specific ZIP code:
Related Resources
- Northshore Utility District — Full Water System Profile
- Arsenic in Drinking Water — Overview
- EPA: Arsenic
Detected Levels
| Contaminant | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 280 ppb | 10 ppb | Violation |
Recommended Water Filters
The most effective treatment for arsenic removal is Reverse Osmosis.
| Filter Type | Effectiveness | NSF Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 95-99% | NSF 58 | Most effective for both arsenate (As V) and arsenite (As III) |
| Adsorptive Media (iron-based) | 90-95% | NSF 53 | Effective for arsenate; may need pre-oxidation for arsenite |
| Distillation | 98%+ | NSF 62 | Very effective but impractical for large volumes |