21
ARSENIC FACTS
Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring contaminant found in many ground waters. It generally occurs in two forms
(valences or oxidation states): pentavalent arsenic (also know as As(V), As(+5), or arsenate) and trivalent arsenic (also
know as As(III), As(+3), or arsenite). In natural ground water, arsenic may exist as trivalent arsenic, pentavalent arsenic
or a combination of both. Although both forms of arsenic are potentially harmful to human health, trivalent arsenic is
considered more harmful than pentavalent arsenic. More information about arsenic and its toxicity can be found on the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html.
The system is designed to remove only pentavalent arsenic. These treatment systems do not provide a feature
for conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. The system may remove some trivalent arsenic, how-
ever, it has not been evaluated for its ability to remove trivalent arsenic.
Trivalent arsenic is generally more difficult to remove from drinking water than pentavalent arsenic. Trivalent arsenic can
be converted to pentavalent arsenic in the presence of an effective oxidant such as free chlorine. The arsenic in water
containing detectable free chlorine or that has been treated with another effective oxidant will be in the pentavalent
arsenic form. Treatment with chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure complete conversion of trivalent
arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.
Consumers using public water supplies can contact their utility to verify whether free chlorine treatment chemicals are
being used. Private water supplies and waters that do not have detectable free chlorine residuals should be analyzed to
determine the form(s) of arsenic present and the potential need for oxidation of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.
Arsenic does not generally impart color, taste, or smell to water, therefore, it can only be detected by a chemical analyti-
cal test. Public water supplies are required to monitor treated water for total arsenic (trivalent arsenic plus pentavalent
arsenic) and the results are available to the public from the utility. Consumers using private water sources will need to
make arrangements for testing. It is recommended the test be conducted by a certified laboratory. Your local RainSoft
dealer, local health departments or environmental protection agencies can help provide a list of certified laboratories.
Some laboratories may also be able to analyze specifically for (speciate) the two forms of arsenic present in a water
sample if requested.
This treatment system was tested under laboratory conditions as defined in NSF/ANSI 58 Reverse Osmosis Drinking
Water Treatment Systems and was found to reduce 0.29 mg/L in the test water to less than 0.010 mg/L, under standard
testing conditions. Actual performance of the system may vary depending on specific water quality conditions at the
consumer’s installation. Following installation of this system, the consumer should have the treated water tested for total
arsenic to verify arsenic reduction is being achieved and the system is functioning properly.
The pentavalent arsenic removal component of this system must be replaced at the end of its useful life of 24 to 36
months. The replacement component (P/N 51637) can be purchased from your local RainSoft dealer. It is important to
maintain the quality of your system by using only genuine RainSoft replacement filters and cartridges. Other “made-to-
fit” alternative filters and cartridges claim to perform the same duties as the original RainSoft parts, but these items are
not approved for use in your system. “Made-to-fit” alternatives will increase the probability of leaks, putting your entire
system at risk. When “made-to-fit” alternative filters and cartridges are placed into your RainSoft Ultrefiner II System,
the product warranty will become null and void and the system will lose the NSF certification. To guarantee proper oper-
ation and certification of your RainSoft system, please use genuine RainSoft parts obtained from your local RainSoft
dealer.
PERFORMANCE DATA SHEET - page 3 of 3
Ultrefiner II - FMV
PREMIUM DRINKING WATER SYSTEM
Summary of Contents for Ultrefiner II
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