High arsenic levels found in two Douglas wells

During regular testing of Douglas drinking water, it was discovered that the arsenic level in two wells were beyond acceptable levels.

During testing in the first quarter of this year, it was discovered that the arsenic level in Well 7 was 17 parts per billion and Well 14 was 27 parts per billion (located on 11th Street and H Avenue and Highway 80 & Copper Drive) which does not comply with the current Arsenic MCL of 10 parts per billion.     

“While the water delivered by the City of Douglas does not meet the Safe Drinking Water standard for arsenic, it does not represent an immediate health risk and there is no need to use an alternative water supply (bottled water),” according to a statement from the City of Douglas.

The long-term exposure to arsenic via drinking water causes cancer of the skin, lungs, urinary bladder, and kidney as well as other skin changes such as pigmentation changes and thickening.

Arsenic is an element found naturally in rocks, water, plants, and animals.  It is also used by industries as a wood preservative and in the manufacturing process of paints, drugs, dyes, soaps, metals and semi-conductors.        In August 2008, the City’s Arsenic Evaluation Report was completed in an effort to assist the City in developing strategies that would enable the City of Douglas to achieve full compliance with the new arsenic standard.

In October 2008, the city completed the drilling of a new water production well (Well 16) that will replace one of the existing water wells (Well 14) with high levels of arsenic.  Well 16 is scheduled to be operational by this summer.     

Test results are available for public review with the City of Douglas, Public Works Department, located at 425 10th Street, Douglas, Arizona. 

If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact Mr. Carlos A. De La Torre, Public Works Director/City Engineer at (520) 417-7329.