Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical found in the earth’s crust, but can be dangerous to humans when released into drinking water supplies as rocks, minerals, and soils erode. Studies have linked long-term exposure to arsenic contamination with cancer and cardiovascular, pulmonary, immunological, neurological and endocrine effects. The legislative timetable for the adoption of the 10 ppb standard for arsenic in drinking water supplies includes:
- 1993 World Health Organization recommendation of 10 ppb
- 2000 The Drinking Water Directive imposes that European Union countries must meet the 10ppb arsenic removal standard by 25th December 2003 (including UK, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal), with accession countries following at a later date. For example, Hungary has negotiated an extension to the compliance deadline of 2009.
- 2007 Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey to adopt 10 ppb
Severn Trent Services offers a simple, proven and cost-effective arsenic removal treatment system to meet drinking water and non-drinking water application needs.