Quick summary: Arsenic is a serious, invisible contaminant in many South Dakota private wells and has no taste, smell, or color.
- It occurs naturally in rock and soil and enters groundwater, with levels varying widely between wells.
- Long-term exposure is linked to certain cancers, skin changes, cardiovascular effects, and developmental concerns.
- The EPA limit for public water is 10 parts per billion, and testing is the only way to know your level.
Arsenic is one of the most serious water quality concerns for private well owners in South Dakota. It has no taste, no smell, and no color, so it can be present at unsafe levels without any warning. Because arsenic occurs naturally in the rock and soil across much of the state, families who rely on well water need to understand the risks, know how to test, and be aware of the removal options available. This article explains what arsenic is, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your household.
What is arsenic and where does it come from?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. In many parts of South Dakota and the broader Great Plains, geologic formations release arsenic into groundwater as water moves through mineral deposits. This is a natural process, not the result of pollution, which is why even wells in rural, undeveloped areas can have elevated levels. The amount varies widely from one well to the next, sometimes even between neighboring properties, so you cannot assume your water is safe based on what someone nearby has found.
Public water systems are required to monitor and treat for arsenic, but private wells are not regulated the same way. If you own a well, testing and treatment are your responsibility, which makes awareness especially important for rural families across the region.
Why arsenic matters: the health risks
Arsenic is a concern because long-term exposure, even at low levels, is linked to health problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets a maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion for public drinking water, a standard that reflects those concerns. Extended exposure above safe limits has been associated with:
- Increased risk of certain cancers, including skin, bladder, and lung.
- Skin changes such as discoloration or thickening.
- Cardiovascular effects.
- Developmental concerns, which makes safe water especially important for infants and children.
Because the effects build over years of exposure, arsenic is a problem you want to identify and address before it causes harm, not after. The absence of symptoms in your water does not mean it is safe to drink.
Testing: the only way to know
Since arsenic is invisible to the senses, laboratory testing is the only reliable way to detect it. Well owners should have their water tested for arsenic, and it is wise to retest periodically because levels can change over time with seasons, water table shifts, and well conditions. If you have never tested your well or it has been several years, that is the place to start. Our team can help you arrange thorough well water testing in the Huron area so you know exactly what is in your water before deciding on treatment.
Removal options
The good news is that arsenic is treatable, and several proven technologies can bring it down to safe levels. The right choice depends on your water chemistry, the form of arsenic present, and whether you want to treat all the water in your home or just the water you drink and cook with.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis is a popular and effective option for point-of-use treatment, typically installed under the kitchen sink. It pushes water through a semipermeable membrane that removes arsenic along with many other contaminants, delivering clean water at a dedicated tap for drinking and cooking. It is an efficient, cost-effective way to protect the water your family actually consumes every day.
Adsorptive media and anion exchange
For whole-home treatment, specialized adsorptive media systems and anion exchange systems can reduce arsenic across every tap. These are sized and configured based on your water test results. Because arsenic exists in different chemical forms, and because other factors in your water can affect performance, professional evaluation is essential to match the technology to your specific situation.
If your test comes back with elevated arsenic, our team can help you choose and install the right solution, whether that is targeted arsenic removal for a Hartford-area home or a broader treatment plan for your property.
Frequently asked questions
Can I taste or smell arsenic in my water?
No. Arsenic is completely undetectable by taste, smell, or appearance. This is exactly why testing is so important. Water that looks and tastes perfectly clean can still contain unsafe arsenic levels, so you cannot rely on your senses to judge safety.
Will boiling my water remove arsenic?
No, and boiling actually makes it worse. Boiling reduces the water volume through evaporation while the arsenic remains, so the concentration can increase. Arsenic must be removed through proper treatment such as reverse osmosis or an appropriate whole-home system.
How often should I retest my well for arsenic?
Because levels can shift over time, periodic retesting is recommended even if a past test was acceptable. Retesting is also smart after any significant change to your well or if you notice other changes in your water. Regular testing gives you ongoing peace of mind.
Protect your family’s water
Arsenic is a serious but manageable problem. The key is knowing whether it is present and acting on solid information. If you rely on a private well in South Dakota, do not leave it to chance. Reach out to Applied Water, your clean water experts, to test your water and, if needed, install a removal system matched to your results. We serve Sioux Falls and eastern South Dakota, and we are committed to helping rural families enjoy safe, clean water they can trust.
