Arsenic at certain concentrations has been associated with skin cancer and other harmful health effects.  Inorganic arsenic, the form most likely to cause cancer, is a naturally occurring element in ther Earth's crust.  Arsenic in rocks and soil can dissolve in water.  Surface water (lakes and streams) and groundwater can contain detectable levels of arsenic.  Arsenic at vaying levels can be found in plants, fish, and shellfish.

In March 1999, the National Research Council issued a report that called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a stricter standard for allowable levels of arsenic in drinking water.  Recent studies have associated high levels of arsenic in drinking water with bladder and lung cancer.

A panel of the National Research Council concluded that the current 50 part per billion standard "does not achieve EPA's goal for public health protection and, therefore, requires downward revision as soon as possible".  The American Water Works Assiciation has also expressed support for a lower arsenic standard to protect public health.  Congress has required the Environmental Protection Agency to propose a new maximum allowable ammount for arsenic in drinking water by January 2000, and to finalize the new standards by 2001.

Arsenic has not been detected in City of Dayton drinking water.  Testing of wells and treated drinking water will continue to ensure compliance with drinking water standards and protection of public health.

For more information, contact the City of Dayton Division of Water Supply and Treatment between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 333-6030. Martha Schwendeman is the acting manager of this division.