Arsenic Water Filtration in Lewiston, ME

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Test For Arsenic In My Lewiston Well?

For private wells in Maine, the state recommends testing your water for arsenic, radon, and uranium every three to five years. If you have already installed a mitigation system, you should perform annual tests on both the raw and treated water to ensure the filtration media has not reached its capacity. Since groundwater chemistry can shift due to seasonal rain or local geological changes, regular monitoring is the only way to guarantee your system is still effectively protecting your home. Additionally, if you notice a sudden change in the taste, color, or odor of your well water, you should schedule a comprehensive test immediately, regardless of your last inspection date.

Does Municipal Water In Lewiston Require Arsenic Filtration?

The municipal water supply for Lewiston and Auburn originates from Lake Auburn, a surface water source that typically contains very low to non-detectable levels of arsenic, compared to private groundwater wells. While the city regularly monitors and meets all federal safety standards for heavy metals, some residents still choose to install point-of-use filtration to address trace contaminants or chlorine byproducts. Federal regulations currently set the legal limit for arsenic at ten parts per billion, but health advocates often suggest that lower levels are preferable for long-term safety. If you are concerned about the water quality in your specific home, a professional test can confirm whether a supplemental filtration system is right for your needs.

Can Arsenic Filtration Remove Other Contaminants From My Water?

Most arsenic filtration solutions, particularly multi-stage reverse osmosis systems, are highly effective in removing a wide range of other harmful substances, including lead, nitrates, and fluoride. Whole-house adsorption systems that use specialized iron-oxide media are primarily designed for heavy metals but can also help reduce certain mineral levels that cause staining. If your water also has high levels of iron or manganese, these are often filtered out during the pre-treatment phase to prevent them from clogging the primary arsenic media. By selecting a comprehensive system, you can significantly improve the overall taste, clarity, and safety of your entire household water supply.

How Long Does It Take To Install An Arsenic Filtration System?

A standard residential arsenic filtration system, whether it is an under-sink reverse osmosis unit or a whole-house tank system, usually takes between three and six hours to install. The total time depends on the complexity of your existing plumbing and whether additional pre-treatment tanks for sediment or iron are required. Our technicians handle all the necessary pipe adjustments and system calibrations to ensure the filtration media is working at peak efficiency before we leave. Once the physical installation is complete, we perform on-site testing to verify that the arsenic levels have been successfully reduced to safe parameters.

What Maintenance Does An Arsenic Filtration System Require?

Maintaining an arsenic filtration system generally involves replacing the sediment and carbon pre-filters every six to twelve months to protect the primary reactive media. For whole-house systems, the specialized arsenic-removing resin typically lasts between two and five years, depending on your total water consumption and the initial concentration of the contaminant. We recommend scheduling a professional system checkup annually to verify flow rates and ensure that automatic backwash cycles are functioning correctly. Keeping a simple log of your filter changes and test results will help you stay ahead of maintenance needs and ensure your water remains consistently pure.