Recent local news reports have brought up concerns about the level of arsenic in drinking water. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, water and plants in many areas of the U.S., including Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). It may be more prevalent in well water before it’s treated. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, and studies have shown that ingesting high levels of arsenic can increase the risk of skin cancer and cancer in the liver, bladder and lungs.
While arsenic, along with other contaminants, are always of concern to, and monitored by, the Goshen Water and Sewer Department, residents can be assured that Goshen’s drinking water is safe.
IDEM requires municipalities to test for arsenic every three years. The maximum contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water is .010 ppm (parts per million). The lowest level that labs can detect is .001 ppm. The last series of sampling in Goshen, performed in April 2015, returned results that were under detectable levels (< .001 ppm). Any arsenic that does come from the City wells is removed through the Water Department’s treatment process.
The City’s next required test for arsenic will be performed in 2018. For more information contact Water Superintendent Kent Holdren at 533.5206 or kentholdren@goshencity.com. Statistics also may be reviewed on the Water Department’s 2017 Consumer Confidence Report online at goshenindiana.org/water/sewer or by clicking below.