Arsenic in well water

[Worksmart]

My full post is over at CountryByNet.com under the "water" topic.

Abbreviated version.....

Mom and Dad looking at buying house on 28 acres in SE Michigan. Water test came back with elevated levels of arsenic. Should they walk away or try to work with the sellers on solving the problem???

Thoughts????

Thanks Chuck

 

[MikePA]

Chuck, here's a link to some information. I did a Google search on "arsenic in well water". Got a bunch of hits.

 

[bher]

Another test (by someone else) would be a good idea. Also, a sample of water could be taken directly from the well (not from the piping). Don't depend much on the real estate or home inspection people. They and their "labs" can be questionable. If you want to know for sure, I would contact and decent environmental consultant.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

You may already know this, but arsenic in well water is often the result of former cattle activities. Old dipping vats leach the stuff into groundwater. Dipping vats were used to get rid of pests on cows - they were filled with an arsenic solution and the cow was wet up to his shoulders.

There are water treatment remedies to remove the arsenic(reverse osmosis with a filter). I think it's about $2,000 for one for a single family house. I'd try to get the seller to pay for the installation of one.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Make that: I would get a filtration system if you _really_ like the place. If there are any signs of old vats (usually a concrete structure) on the place, I would pass on it for sure.
Good water is pretty important.

 

[Worksmart]

Thanks for the comments. Mom and dad decided to walk away from the deal. Too much money at risk here. Chuck