Arsenic in Athol

ATHOL, Idaho (AP) — Tests of a small northern Idaho community water system showed arsenic at levels about nine times what the federal government allows, prompting residents to drink bottled water.

The Coeur d’Alene Press reports a test two months ago showed naturally occurring arsenic in the Lynnwood Estates Water Association well near Athol reached 91 parts per billion. The federal limit is 10 ppb. Arsenic is a potent poison. The well serves 18 homes.

Since then, the arsenic level has plummeted, but it’s still above the federal limit.

Do you drink bottled water?