Arsenic in Drinking Water in Utah
What residents of Utah need to know about arsenic in drinking water — including natural geological sources, private well risk, which utilities have documented violations, and how to remove arsenic from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Utah Division of Drinking Water, USGS · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is arsenic in drinking water a concern in Utah?
Yes. Utah has significant naturally occurring arsenic from its volcanic geology, geothermal activity, and Basin and Range topography. The Great Salt Lake region, Sevier Desert, and areas with geothermal influence across Utah's west desert have documented elevated arsenic in groundwater. Multiple Utah public water systems have required arsenic treatment, particularly in rural western Utah communities dependent on local groundwater.
Where does arsenic come from in Utah's water?
Volcanic and geothermal geology in Utah's Basin and Range province and Colorado Plateau is the dominant arsenic source. The Sevier Desert and west Utah desert have documented elevated arsenic from geothermal and volcanic inputs. Rural communities in Juab, Millard, Beaver, Iron, and Washington counties relying on local groundwater face elevated risk. Wasatch Front communities drawing from Utah Lake or Jordan River tributaries may also encounter arsenic from upstream volcanic geology.
What should Utah residents know?
Rural western Utah communities dependent on local groundwater in geologically active areas face the most direct arsenic risk. Utah DDW has worked with multiple small communities on arsenic treatment compliance and provides guidance. Private well owners throughout Utah's volcanic and geothermal terrain should test for arsenic.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL | 10 µg/L (10 ppb) |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary source | Volcanic/geothermal geology in Basin and Range province — Sevier Desert, western Utah desert communities |
| State regulator | Utah Division of Drinking Water (DDW) |
| Health effects | Bladder, lung, skin cancer; cardiovascular; diabetes risk |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis or activated alumina |
Why Arsenic Matters in Utah
Utah's volcanic geology creates arsenic conditions similar to other western Basin and Range states. The state has had a notable number of small public water system arsenic MCL exceedances, particularly in rural communities across the Sevier Desert, Iron County, Washington County (St. George area), and other areas with geothermal influence. Utah DDW has been active in providing compliance assistance and has sought funding for treatment upgrades in small, economically limited systems.
Utah Arsenic Program
Utah DDW has an active arsenic compliance program as Utah's volcanic and sedimentary geology is among the highest-arsenic in the country. The Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Basin and Range provinces all produce naturally elevated arsenic. Many Utah small water systems required treatment after 2006, and the state has extensive guidance for homeowners on arsenic testing and treatment.
Utah Utilities With Arsenic Violation Records
The utilities listed below have at least one arsenic violation on record in EPA's SDWIS database. Violations may be open or resolved — see individual utility pages for current status and risk level.
West Jordan City Water System
Utah · 117,025 served
Sandy City Water System
Utah · 99,750 served
Orem City Water System
Utah · 98,129 served
Ogden City Water System
Utah · 87,267 served
Layton City Water System
Utah · 82,000 served
Saratoga Springs City
Utah · 58,000 served
Pleasant Grove City
Utah · 40,000 served
Roy City Water System
Utah · 38,800 served
Murray City Water System
Utah · 38,723 served
Bountiful City Water System
Utah · 37,500 served
How Does Arsenic Get Into Drinking Water?
Arsenic in drinking water is almost always naturally occurring — it leaches from arsenic-bearing rocks and minerals into groundwater over time. New England granite, Southwest volcanic geology, and Upper Midwest glacial aquifers are the primary high-risk formations. It has no taste, odor, or color.
Full arsenic overview — geology maps, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Rural western Utah communities in Juab, Millard, Beaver, Iron, and Washington counties, private well owners in geothermally influenced areas, and communities in the Sevier Desert region face the most relevant arsenic risk. Wasatch Front suburban communities should verify their utility's source water and treatment status.
Private well owners near mining districts or agricultural areas
Residents in states with documented volcanic or geothermal geology
Long-term consumers of water from small groundwater systems
Households in homes built before 1960 with older well casings
Residents whose well water has never been tested for arsenic
Anyone living in a state where bedrock wells are common
How to Check Your Situation in Utah
- 1
Identify your water source. If you use a public utility, use the ZIP lookup on this page to find your system and check its compliance record.
- 2
If on public water, review your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic monitoring data. The MCL is 10 ppb — your report should show recent test results.
- 3
If on a private well, order an arsenic test from a Utah Division of Drinking Water-certified laboratory. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40. The state agency website maintains a certified lab list.
- 4
Test your well at the tap — not just at the wellhead. The entire water distribution system within your home can affect water quality.
- 5
If your test shows arsenic above 5 ppb, install certified treatment immediately. If above 10 ppb, do not use the water for drinking or cooking until treatment is installed.
- 6
Retest after installing treatment to confirm it is working as certified. Replace filter media on the manufacturer's schedule — an exhausted filter may not perform as rated.
Treatment Options for Arsenic
Boiling does not remove arsenic — it concentrates it. Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, etc.) do not effectively remove arsenic. Certified treatment is required.
NSF/ANSI Standard 58 — Reverse Osmosis
RO systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58 remove 85–95% of arsenic. Under-sink installation. Most effective for removing multiple contaminants simultaneously. Replace membranes and pre-filters on schedule.
Activated Alumina Filters
Activated alumina is specifically designed for arsenic and fluoride removal. Point-of-use or whole-house options available. Must be certified by NSF International or WQA for arsenic reduction. Requires periodic media regeneration or replacement.
Iron/Manganese Oxidation Filters
Effective for arsenic in iron-rich well water, which is common in the Midwest and New England. Oxidation converts dissolved iron and arsenic to a form that can be filtered out. Best when arsenic is co-occurring with high iron levels.
What does NOT work for arsenic
Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, refrigerator filters, most pitcher filters) do NOT effectively remove arsenic. Boiling concentrates arsenic. Water softeners do not remove arsenic. Only use products with NSF certification specifically for arsenic reduction.
Take Action Now
If you use a private well in Utah, test for arsenic — especially if you are in a region with granite, volcanic, or sedimentary geology. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40 at a state-certified lab.
Public water users: check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic results. The EPA MCL is 10 ppb — any detection warrants attention.
If arsenic is detected above 10 ppb (or even below it, given MCLG is zero), install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system for drinking and cooking water.
Standard carbon filters do NOT remove arsenic — do not rely on a Brita or refrigerator filter for arsenic protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Arsenic — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with arsenic records
Utah State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Utah Well Water Guide
Testing, risks & certified labs for private wells
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 85–95% of arsenic
Best Arsenic Filter Guide
What actually works (carbon doesn't)
PFAS in Drinking Water
The 'forever chemical' contamination overview
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Utah Division of Drinking Water ↗