Arsenic Facts - GE GXRV40TBN Owner's Manual

Specifications
This system has been tested for the treatment of water containing pentavalent arsenic [also known as As (V), As (+5),
or arsenate] at concentrations of 0.30 mg/L or less. This system reduces pentavalent arsenic, but may not reduce other
forms of arsenic. This system shall be used on water supplies containing a detectable free chlorine residual at the
system inlet or on water supplies that have been demonstrated to contain only pentavalent arsenic. Treatment with
chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.
Please see the Arsenic Facts section below for further information.
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 standard 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 treatment 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
recommendations on maintaining your Reverse Osmosis water filtration system.

Arsenic Facts

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