Methownet BB

Hi! We have recently found out that we have very high levels of arsenic in our water (1000 ppb) in Twisp. We are wondering if others in the area have found the same issue in water and how it was dealt with. Thanks

Many years ago - 20+? - the County was doing testing of wells to determine the extent of the ‘plume’ of arsenic (I think it was that) from the old Alder Mill site above Twisp. I think this was maybe preparatory to that site being considered for a ‘superfund cleanup’….dont recall how that turned out. Arsenic is common where gold ores were processed…..it also can occur when other rock is exposed to water and air.

Im about 2 miles south of town - west side- and my well met the standards at the time - no problems. I think the County didnt do much more testing below me, at least then. There were wells closer to Twisp that did have problems, I recall.

I’d think it would be worth contacting County Public Health. There may be some filtering systems. Im sure they could point you in the right direction, in any case.

Arsenic in the city water or well water?

We have a well.

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Arsenic is an ELEMENT - it is NOT a compound.
Like Oxygen or Carbon, or Nitrogen - and all the rest - you cant ‘dissolve’ them into something else…possibly short of nuclear fusion/fission.

Jim Archambeault

Where does one get a complete water test done?

Cascade Analytical in Wenatchee 509- 662-1888

Again - start with OKA County Health Department. They may help you, or refer you on to the DOE.

Or to a private testing outfit like Cascade Analytics (Wenatchee -send samples by mail). They used to do lot of water testing for ‘community systems’ (multiple folks on same well) and ‘public systems’ (like USFS campgrounds) and others. I think they still do?

It isnt terribly expensive or complicated.

To the history of the issue. There were several wells in the area somewhat close to the old Alder Mill that tested above the revised standards around 2002 for Arsenic. At first they thought it was related to the highly toxic slag pond, but further testing found that this was naturally occurring.

Arsenic can be safely removed from your water, but it does require special equipment.

Bob

The arsenic trigger level, deemed unsafe for drinking, is ten micrograms per liter, which is 0.01 parts per million. If your arsenic level is 1000 parts per billion (1 part per million), then it is one of the highest readings I have heard of in the valley. If it is that high, you don't want to use that water for any domestic use.