Arsenic in Memphis Water: An Invisible Threat to Your Business
In the heartland of Tennessee, the importance of water quality cannot be overstated. For businesses in Memphis, where the mighty Mississippi River flows and the legacy of the heartland’s agricultural industry continues to shape the landscape, ensuring the purity of your workplace’s water supply is essential. This is not just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about safeguarding the health of your employees.
But what if we told you that there’s an invisible threat lurking in your tap water? A substance that, in large enough quantities, has been linked to a range of health issues including cancer, developmental delays, and cardiovascular problems. That substance is arsenic, a naturally occurring element that can seep into groundwater and contaminate water supplies.
Artesian Bottleless Water understands the unique and pressing concern of arsenic in your city’s water and offers a solution that’s both technologically advanced and health-forward.
Understanding Arsenic
Arsenic is a semi-metal element that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust. It is often found in combination with other elements and widely distributed in the environment. It has no odor, taste, or color, which means it can easily go unnoticed in your water without the right detection methods and filtration processes.
There are two forms of arsenic of concern in water supplies – inorganic and organic. Inorganic arsenic is more toxic and most significant in terms of risks to human health.
Organic arsenic, found in seafood and other foods, is generally considered less harmful. When it comes to water quality, the risk lies in the inorganic form that leaches from the soil due to chemical reactions and geological formations.
Sources of Arsenic in Water
The origins of arsenic in water are varied and complex. From natural processes to human activities, the contamination of water systems with arsenic is a multi-faceted issue.
Natural Sources: Arsenic is naturally present in the ground, and some regions, including Memphis, have higher levels due to their geographical composition. Geological deposits contain minerals with arsenic, and when water comes into contact with these deposits, it can dissolve and carry arsenic into water supplies that feed into your business’s taps.
Human Activities: Industrial processes, mining, and agricultural runoff can contribute to arsenic levels in the water. The Mississippi River, along which Memphis lies, is both a source and a conveyor of potential contamination from upstream activities. The pesticides and herbicides used in the agricultural lands around the river can contain trace amounts of arsenic, which eventually make their way downstream.
The Arsenic Problem in Memphis
While efforts are made to monitor and treat drinking water, arsenic can be surprisingly persistent. The municipal water systems are tasked with delivering safe drinking water, but public channels can be susceptible to breaches, especially when dealing with a natural contaminant like arsenic.
Local tap water in Memphis can contain traces of arsenic, which is worrisome when even low levels of exposure over long periods can have adverse health effects. This is why it’s crucial for businesses, particularly those responsible for the health and hydration of staff, to take proactive measures.
Health Effects of Arsenic
Short-term Exposure: At high levels, arsenic can cause immediate effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased production of red and white blood cells. These symptoms can manifest within a few hours or days after exposure. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to arsenic through your drinking water, contact your doctor immediately.
Long-term Exposure: Chronic exposure to arsenic has been linked to increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancer, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Long-term ingestion can also affect skin color, causing lesions or even gangrene. These risks make it clear that any detectable level is a cause for mitigation.
Protecting Yourself: To reduce your risk of arsenic exposure, it is important to have your drinking water tested regularly. You can also install a water filter that specifically targets arsenic. Additionally, avoid eating or drinking from any containers made with arsenic-containing materials, such as certain types of glazed pottery.
What Businesses Can Do
Businesses have a responsibility to ensure the water they offer their employees and customers is pure. Regular testing and investing in high-quality water filtration are the keys to mitigating the risks of arsenic exposure. Artesian Bottleless Water offers state-of-the-art filtration systems housed inside sleek bottleless water coolers that effectively remove arsenic and other contaminants, providing businesses in Memphis with a safe and trusted water source. By choosing Artesian Bottleless Water, businesses can have peace of mind knowing they are providing their employees and customers with clean, safe water that meets or exceeds all federal regulations.
Another important step businesses can take is to be proactive in monitoring local water quality reports. If there are any concerning levels of arsenic present in the municipal water supply, it is important to take action. In addition, educating employees about the risks of arsenic exposure and the importance of choosing filtered water can also help mitigate potential health hazards.
Overall, taking steps to ensure clean and safe drinking water is crucial for any business in Memphis. With Artesian, companies can provide their employees and customers with peace of mind while also keeping them hydrated. Get your free 7-day trial started today!
