How do I know if my water has arsenic?

Arsenic has no colour, taste, or odour — it cannot be detected without a water test. If you are in a known arsenic-affected zone (West Bengal, Bihar, UP Terai belt, parts of Assam), a water test is strongly recommended before any treatment decision.

Is this the same as a water purifier?

No. Standard RO purifiers reduce TDS and some contaminants, but arsenic removal efficiency varies significantly by membrane quality and arsenic form. A dedicated arsenic adsorption stage is more reliable for documented arsenic contamination. UNIWATER designs the correct treatment train based on your water test.

How does arsenic affect health?

Long-term consumption of arsenic above safe limits is linked to skin lesions, cancer risk (skin, bladder, lung), cardiovascular effects, and neurological impacts. The BIS safe limit for drinking water is 10 ppb (micrograms per litre).

Can it be installed for whole-house use?

Yes, though arsenic filters are most commonly installed as point-of-entry (whole house) or point-of-use (drinking water only) depending on arsenic levels, usage patterns, and budget. UNIWATER recommends the appropriate configuration based on your specific test results.

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Arsenic Filter

Safe water where arsenic contamination is a real risk

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a documented public health issue in several Indian states — notably West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and pockets of Rajasthan and Punjab. UNIWATER's Arsenic Filter uses proven adsorption-based media (granular ferric hydroxide or activated alumina) to reduce arsenic levels to below the BIS drinking water standard of 10 ppb. The system is designed for use at the point of entry or point of use depending on arsenic levels and application.

Signs you may need this system

Known arsenic contamination in the local area or borewell test report

History of arsenic-related health issues in the community

Water test results showing arsenic above 10 ppb (BIS limit)

High iron borewell water — iron and arsenic often co-occur in affected zones

No current treatment in place for groundwater used for drinking or cooking

How it works

Adsorption-Based Removal

Granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) or activated alumina media with high arsenic adsorption capacity, proven in field deployments

Brings Water Below BIS Limit

Designed to reduce arsenic to below 10 ppb (BIS 10500 standard) from typical contaminated groundwater levels

Iron-Arsenic Co-Treatment

Correctly sequenced with iron removal where both contaminants are present — improper sequence reduces arsenic removal efficiency

Test-Confirmed Sizing

Media volume and exchange capacity calculated from actual arsenic concentration — not generic sizing

Media Replacement Schedule

Media is replaced on schedule based on treated volume and influent concentration — UNIWATER manages this schedule

Problems it solves

Arsenic contamination in borewell or groundwater supply
Water from areas with known geogenic arsenic occurrence
Risk of long-term arsenic-related health impacts from drinking water
High arsenic in municipal tanker supply in affected regions
Regulatory compliance for commercial water supply in arsenic-affected zones

Where it's used

Residential homes in arsenic-affected groundwater zones
Schools and community water supply in affected regions
Industrial premises using groundwater in arsenic-risk areas
Water supply systems requiring arsenic removal for compliance
Rural drinking water points requiring affordable, maintainable treatment

The UNIWATER approach

UNIWATER's arsenic filter recommendation is always based on a confirmed water test result — arsenic is invisible, tasteless, and odourless, and cannot be detected without testing. We assess iron levels alongside arsenic (as the two often co-occur and iron interferes with arsenic removal), determine the correct media type and capacity, and design a system appropriately sized for your application.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to solve your arsenic filter problem?

Start with a free water test or digital site survey. We'll recommend the right system for your specific home and water conditions.