Arnold 2024 — Community science arsenic testing in Maine and New Hampshire private wells
This news article in Environmental Health Perspectives reports on the All About Arsenic program, a community science project conducted by MDI Biological Laboratory that engaged students in sampling private well water for arsenic across Maine and New Hampshire between 2016 and 2022. The underlying study (Taylor et al. 2024, EHP 132(8):087006; DOI 10.1289/EHP13421) reported that 3,070 water samples were collected, approximately 24% of which exceeded 5 ppb As (New Hampshire’s MCL) and 14.8% exceeded 10 ppb As (US EPA MCL). The article describes how test results spurred homeowner treatment system upgrades and notes that bedrock geology in New England produces naturally elevated arsenic in private wells. The underlying study is the primary evidence record; this source is a B-tier news summary of that study.
Key numbers
3,070 private well water samples, Maine and New Hampshire, 2016-2022. 24% of samples exceeded 5 ppb As (NH MCL). 14.8% exceeded 10 ppb As (US EPA and Maine MCL). Community science methodology: students collected samples and sent to reference laboratory. Primary underlying study: Taylor A et al. 2024. Environ Health Perspect 132(8):087006; DOI 10.1289/EHP13421.
Methods (brief)
Community science sampling by students at 7 (later 26) middle and high schools. Reference laboratory analysis for arsenic. Specific analytical method not stated in this news article; refer to Taylor et al. 2024 for full methods.
Implications
Certification: Private well arsenic data for northeastern US; documents that 14.8% of private wells in Maine/NH exceed 10 ppb, relevant to baseline exposure context for US consumers. Courses: Community science and arsenic education program; useful for public engagement and exposure communication modules. App: Geographic arsenic prevalence in drinking water; relevant to consumer exposure context for US northeastern geography flag.