Arsenic Facts - Whirlpool WHAROS5 Installation And Operation Manual

Performance Data

ARSENIC FACTS

Background
Arsenic (abbreviated As) can occur naturally in well water. There are two forms of arsenic: pentavalent arsenic
[also called As (V), As (+5), and arsenate] and trivalent arsenic [also called As (III), As (+3), and arsenite].
Although both forms are potentially harmful to human health, trivalent arsenic is considered more harmful than
pentavalent arsenic. In well water, arsenic may be pentavalent, trivalent, or a combination of both. Additional
information about arsenic in water can be found on the Internet at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) website:www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html.
Testing Your Water
Arsenic in water has no color, taste or odor. It must be measured by a lab test. Public water utilities must have
their water tested for arsenic. You can get the results from your water utility. If you have your own well, you can
have the water tested. The local health department or the state environmental health agency can provide a list of
certified labs. The cost is typically $15 to $30.
Pentavalent vs.Trivalent Arsenic Removal
These systems are very effective at reducing pentavalent arsenic from drinking water. These models were tested
in a lab and proven to reduce 300 parts per billion (ppb) pentavalent arsenic to below 10 ppb, the USEPA stan-
dard for safe drinking water.
RO systems are not as effective at reducing trivalent arsenic from water. These models will not convert trivalent
arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. If you have free chlorine residual in contact with your water supply for at least one
minute any trivalent arsenic will be converted to pentavalent arsenic and reduced by this RO. Other water treat-
ment chemicals such as ozone, and potassium permanganate will also change trivalent arsenic to pentavalent
arsenic. A combined chlorine residual (also called chloramine) may not convert all the trivalent arsenic. If you get
your water from a public water utility, contact the utility to find out if free chlorine or combined chlorine is used in
the water system.
Maintenance
It is strongly recommended that you follow the maintenance instructions and have your water tested periodically
to make sure the system is performing properly. See replacement element information above for recommenda-
tions on maintaining your Reverse Osmosis water filtration system.
Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223
Monday- Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM CST
or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com
When you call, please be prepared to provide the model, date code and serial number,
found on the rating decal on back.
8