Download U.S. EPA Orders California Water Systems To Decrease Arsenic In

US EPA takes a lead in world wide fight against arsenic poisoning by ordering
11 public drinking water systems in California to reduce the level of arsenic in
drinking water.
U.S. EPA Orders California Water Systems To
Decrease Arsenic In Drinking Water
San Francisco — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered 11 public
drinking water systems throughout the state of California to reduce the level of arsenic
in their respective drinking water systems or face penalties of up to $32,500 per day for
each violation.
The EPA's orders require the public drinking water systems to develop and meet a
schedule to comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act's arsenic standard of 10
ppb.
"Providing people with safe drinking water is essential and public water systems must
take the steps necessary to comply with all federal standards," said Alexis Strauss, the
Water Division director for the EPA's Pacific Southwest region.
….
Arsenic, a naturally occurring mineral found throughout the United States, is primarily
found in groundwater and is a known carcinogen. Drinking high levels of arsenic over
many years can increase the chance of lung, bladder and skin cancers, as well as heart
disease, diabetes and neurological damage. Arsenic inhibits the body's ability to fight
off cancer and other diseases.
October 29, 2008, U.S. EPA