Why might arsenic and uranium be present in bedrock well water?
Some areas of New England may contain naturally higher levels of arsenic and uranium in bedrock than other areas of the region. Arsenic can be found in two different forms: organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic. The inorganic forms of arsenic are generally found in groundwater and pose a greater health concern than the organic forms of arsenic (which are present in some foods, e.g. fish) that are considered less toxic. Through natural processes, arsenic and uranium can leave the rock and enter the groundwater in the bedrock. If a bedrock well is installed at a location that intercepts groundwater containing relatively high concentrations of arsenic and/or uranium, then arsenic and/or uranium withdrawn from the well may exceed the public drinking water standards.
