There Must be Something in the Water: A Comparative Study of Ground Water Arsenic Contamination in the U.S.A. and Canada

The regions of Nova Scotia and New Hampshire are naturally susceptible to arsenic water contamination due to their geological makeup. These locations are relatively rural, with many of their citizens reporting low incomes and lacking education, the majority of which are unaware of the risk of arsenic poisoning. There is also a high dependency on private wells which are not regulated in terms of water quality under federal law in both countries. Arsenic water pollution is undetectable as it is both odorless and tasteless and potentially very dangerous, and therefore water testing must be performed on wells, which is currently the responsibility of the well owners in both regions. Through numerous case studies regarding arsenic contamination in Nova Scotia and New Hampshire, research found that federal policy is needed to protect against long-term exposure to arsenic in private well water. This policy must be accessible and affordable in order to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable populations in Canada and the United States.