Frequently Asked Questions

What is arsenic? And where does arsenic come from?
Arsenic is an element that occurs naturally throughout the crust of the earth. Arsenic is released into water largely as the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils.

Is arsenic dangerous to human beings?
Arsenic is highly toxic and carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic via drinking water has been proven to cause cancer of the skin, lungs, urinary tract, bladder and kidneys.

How do I know whether there is arsenic in my water?
Arsenic is absolutely tasteless and odorless at the low levels found in drinking water. The only way to know whether your water contains arsenic is to have a sample of it scientifically tested. Click here for a sample kit.

Is arsenic really prevalent in our country? I thought it only happened in Asia.
Arsenic is widely distributed throughout the crust of the earth. In the US, there are over 4,000 municipalities that have drinking water with higher arsenic levels than the maximum federal contaminant limit (MCL) of 10 micrograms per liter (or 10 ppb). Additionally, it is estimated that there are 14 million American homes with private wells that exceed the10 ppb maximum contaminant level. More information can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/trace/arsenic/index.html

I live in a rural area, far away from any industrial site, can there still be arsenic in our well water?
Yes. The occurrence of arsenic in drinking water is largely the result of minerals dissolving from weathered rocks and soils, it does not just occur as a result of industrial pollution.

Has the npXtra arsenic removal solution been used in the field already?
The SolmeteX patent-pending arsenic binding technology, which is at the heart of the npXtra residential program, has been proven at numerous large-scale USA municipal facilities. Click here to learn more.

Does the npXtra system remove any other contaminants?
Yes. In addition to removing arsenic, the npXtra system removes phosphate. Just as important, however, is what it does not bind. Common ions such as sulfate, bicarbonate, fluoride, chloride, sodium, calcium and magnesium have no effect on npXtra.

Why is testing such an important part of your program?
Arsenic is absolutely tasteless and odorless in drinking water. The only way to know whether your water is contains arsenic is to have a sample scientifically tested. Click here for a sample kit.

How often do I have to get a replacement column?
Under the most common water conditions, the lead column is designed to last 24 months. Water conditions change and everyone's water is different. That is why testing is so important. With testing you will only change the column when it is needed. You will also have the assurance the resin has not been exhausted prematurely due to changing water conditions.

How do I get a new column?
Contact your installer. Replacement columns can be shipped to your door or to your installer. The compact size makes it convenient and flexible.