Well water treatment
Arsenic is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. If it is in your well water, you cannot detect it without testing. When testing confirms it is present, removing it requires a specific sequenced treatment approach — not a single filter or general-purpose system.
Why arsenic requires a specific approach
Arsenic in groundwater occurs primarily as arsenic(III), the trivalent dissolved form. In this state it does not bind readily to filter media and passes through most standard filtration. To remove it effectively, it must first be oxidized to arsenic(V) — the pentavalent form — which binds to Greensand+ media and can be captured mechanically.
Hydrogen peroxide injection ahead of the filter bed performs this conversion. The same peroxide that keeps the Inversand Greensand+ media in a continuously oxidized catalytic state for iron and manganese removal also converts any arsenic(III) present to arsenic(V) before it reaches the filter.
A certified reverse osmosis system at the drinking tap provides a final polishing stage, addressing any residual trace arsenic in the water you actually consume.
There is no color, smell, or taste that indicates arsenic in well water. The only way to know whether your well has an arsenic problem is laboratory analysis. We include arsenic in our standard well water panel. If your property is in an area around Lexington or Edwards, IL where arsenic has been identified, we specifically recommend testing before drawing any conclusions about your water quality.
Treatment is only recommended when testing confirms arsenic is present at levels that warrant action. We test first. We do not sell treatment systems speculatively.
The treatment process
Each stage does a specific job. Skipping or substituting any of them reduces the reliability of the system as a whole.
H2O2 is injected into the water supply at the point of entry ahead of the treatment train. It converts arsenic(III) to arsenic(V), making it filterable. At the same time it oxidizes dissolved iron and manganese and provides whole-home disinfection. The peroxide itself breaks down completely into oxygen and water, leaving no chemical residual in your plumbing or water supply.
Water passes through a bed of Inversand Greensand+ media. The manganese oxide coating on the media captures oxidized arsenic(V), iron, and manganese as water flows through. The media operates in catalytic mode — the peroxide already present from the injection point keeps the coating continuously active. No separate KMnO4 regenerant tank is required. One brine tank handles regeneration alongside softening if needed.
An Aqua Flo QCRO4V-50 reverse osmosis system at the drinking tap provides a certified final barrier. The system is certified under NSF/ANSI 58 specifically for arsenic reduction, addressing any residual trace arsenic in drinking water. Filters and membranes are American-made. This step is additive security for the water your household drinks and cooks with.
Where arsenic has been found
Arsenic in groundwater is a naturally occurring geologic condition in certain areas. In our Central Illinois service area, we have encountered it in well water around Lexington and Edwards, IL. It is not a widespread regional problem, but its presence in specific areas makes testing important for anyone on a private well in those communities.
Arsenic at low levels produces no symptoms and no detectable water characteristics. Long-term exposure at elevated concentrations is a documented health concern, which is why the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level for public water systems. Private wells are not subject to that regulation, making private testing the only protection.
If your well is in or near an area where arsenic has been found, or if you have never had your water tested for arsenic, a water test is the right starting point. We bring the testing to you at no cost on a first visit and explain everything we find in plain language.
For households where arsenic is confirmed, we design the treatment system around your specific test results — dosing, filter sizing, and RO configuration all depend on the actual concentration in your water, not a generic formula.
(309) 258-2582 — call or text Mon-Fri 9am-4pm.
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173 Thunderbird Lane
East Peoria, IL 61611
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
We serve Central Illinois well water customers throughout Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and McLean counties. Free water test on your first visit.