14 DAY TRIAL // New study indicates that some of New England's bedrock groundwater contains traces of arsenic, uranium, radium, radon and manganese.
Regardless of the fact that all of these are naturally occurring chemical compounds, what worries specialists is the fact that said bedrock groundwater eventually makes it all the way into the drinking wells that supply local communities with water.
This research, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a scientific agency of the United States government, is intended to make private well owners more aware of the fact that they need to first test and treat the water they get from underground sources, and only after that use it in their households or businesses.
Marcia McNutt, USGS's director, explains how “The same geologic forces which gave rise to the spectacular mountains and architecturally significant rock quarries of New England are also responsible, over time, for leaching trace contaminants into the groundwater that can be harmful to human health.”
She also adds that “This study helps us focus attention on where and what the risk factors are, such that citizens who depend on private wells can get their water tested to ensure peace of mind.”
Interestingly enough, England's bedrock groundwater seems to also contain traces of pesticides and other harmful chemical compounds that result from human activities in the region.
Still, researchers argue that the concentration levels for these substances are far too low to affect anything other than aquatic organisms.
Apparently, there are around 2.3 million people living in this region, so it should come as no surprise that no efforts are spared in eliminating all potential health threats.
As the USGS website explains, most – if not all – traces of arsenic, uranium, radium, radon and manganese can be removed from the local drinking water by resorting to a variety of treatments.
However, should local communities choose to ignore these warnings, they might soon experience health issues such as cancer, developmental problems, kidney and blood disease, diabetes and a weakened immune system.