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Arsenic
Fact Sheet
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 known as
As(V), As(+5), and arsenate) and trivalent arsenic (also known as As(III), As(+3), and
arsenite). In natural ground water, arsenic may exist as trivalent arsenic, pentavalent
arsenic, or a combination of both. More information about arsenic and its toxicity can
be found at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Toxicological Profile
on Arsenic website at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs2.html, and at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html.
Arsenic does not generally impart color, taste, or smell to water; therefore, it can only
be detected by a chemical analytical test. Public water supplies are required to monitor
delivered water for 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. An arsenic test usually costs about $15-30, and it is
recommended that the test be conducted by a certified laboratory. Local health departments
or environmental protection agencies can help provide consumers with a list of certified
laboratories. Some laboratories may also be able to analyze specifically for (speciate) the
form(s) of arsenic present in a water sample if requested.
The Culligan Smart Filter Arsenic Reduction Automatic Water Conditioner is designed to
reduce arsenic: both pentavalent and trivalent forms of arsenic. This treatment system was
tested under laboratory condition as defined in NSF/ANSI 53 Drinking Water Treatment
Units - Health Effects and was found to reduce influent arsenic challenge concentration
0.050 mg/L arsenic consisting of either pentavalent or trivalent arsenic in the test water to
less than 0.010 mg/L, for tested treatment capacity: 75,000 gal for 10”, 100,000 gal for 12”,
and 200,000 gal for 14” gallons of delivered water, the life of the system 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 arsenic to verify that arsenic reduction is
being achieved and the system is functioning properly.
The arsenic removal component of this system must be replace at the end of its useful
life of 75,000 gal for 10”, 100,000 gal for 12”, and 200,000 gal for 14”. The replacement
component can be purchased from your local Culligan dealer.
