Assessment of inorganic contamination of private wells and demonstration of effective filter-based reduction: A pilot-study in Stokes County, North Carolina

Under-Sink Activated Carbon Water Filters Effectively Remove Lead from Private Well Water for over Six Months

“…Pb removal in the four AC filters tested ranged from 31% to −16% (i.e., in one case, the Pb concentration was 16% higher after the filter than before in one home), but influent Pb levels for these homes were not reported. In a later study, not included in the review by Brown et al (2017), Tomlinson et al (2019) tested pour-through AC filters for Pb removal from well water in two households in North Carolina. In this study, 99% of first-draw Pb was removed at the time the filters were distributed, with influent Pb levels ranging 21-66 µg/L, but the filters were not tested again thereafter [16].…”

“…In a later study, not included in the review by Brown et al (2017), Tomlinson et al (2019) tested pour-through AC filters for Pb removal from well water in two households in North Carolina. In this study, 99% of first-draw Pb was removed at the time the filters were distributed, with influent Pb levels ranging 21-66 µg/L, but the filters were not tested again thereafter [16].…”

“…First, the cross-sectional design of both studies does not allow for changes in filter performance over time to be evaluated. Lothrop et al (2015) collected only one-time samples and had no way of evaluating the cumulative volume of water treated by each device at the time samples were taken, while Tomlinson et al (2019) only tested the filter effectiveness at start-up. Second, these studies could not analyze the removal effectiveness with respect to other influent water quality parameters or usage patterns, which vary greatly among households, given their limited sample sizes (n = 9 and n = 2, respectively).…”

Lead in Homes With Domestic Wells in Three Illinois Counties

“…Thus, sulfate and chloride levels may act on components of the water system, making them function as determinants of corrosion as well as sources of lead. (Swistock et al 2013), and North Carolina (Tomlinson et al 2019) found that WLLs exceeded the LCR threshold of 15 µg/L in 5-10% of domestic well samples. Untreated groundwater can be corrosive on account of high concentrations of chloride and sulfate or low pH (Rogan et al 2001, Levin et al 2008, Levallois et al 2014.…”

We can and we must do better to protect children from drinking water contaminants

“…Involving local residents directly impacted by water contaminants can aid in identification of local pollution sources. Academic-community partnerships have been successful in mapping water contaminants and instigating protective measures for vulnerable populations across the country ( 21 , 22 ). Community-driven science initiatives empower citizens with knowledge and agency to take concrete actions to improve their environment, and can connect them to services such as legal support.…”