First Mesa, Second Mesa arsenic levels a concern

SHUNGOPAVI, Ariz. - In a public notice dated Dec. 28, 2010, the village of Shungopavi was notified that the "Shungopavi water system has levels of arsenic above the drinking water standard." While it sounds alarming, Gene Kuwanquaftewa, Shungopavi Village Community Service Administrator (CSA), states it is not an immediate health risk.

Arsenic is a cancer causing substance, but Kuwanquaftewa stated that it takes about 30 or more years to become a health hazard. Arsenic in drinking water can come from the erosion of natural deposits, runoff from orchards, or glass and electronic production waste.

Over many years, you could experience skin damage or problems with your circulatory system and may even increase your risk of getting cancer. But according to the notice, there is no need to use an alternative water supply such as bottled water.

In January 2001 the EPA reduced the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. In January 2006 all public water systems were required to meet this revised standard according to a Hopi Arsenic Mitigation Project (HAMP) document. Kuwanquaftewa stated that a water treatment system is needed to bring the levels of arsenic down to the compliance level, which could cost approximately $1 million with yearly maintenance of approximately $300,000. The other option would be to develop a new well water source.

Currently HAMP is developing a plan to develop a new well field in the vicinity of the existing Turquoise Trail well. This water is deemed a higher quality and is available in sufficient amounts to supply both First Mesa and Second Mesa, both of which currently have water sources with arsenic levels exceeding compliance. Third Mesa's water systems are arsenic compliant.

The plan is that water would be delivered to each of the communities via large piped network. According to Kuwanquaftewa, this project will cost approximately $30 million dollars, but in the long term, would be more cost effective then a water treatment system. The new water source would supply both First Mesa and Second Mesa.

HAMP is a coordinating efforts with the Hopi Tribe, Indian Health Service and the Environmental Protection Agency to complete an arsenic mitigation feasibility study for the First Mesa and Second Mesa region. A grant awarded by the EPA called the Drinking Water Tribal Set-Aside grant of $1.8 million dollars is being used to explore and substantiate the Turquoise Trail concept.

There are many steps involved in completing the project which include data collection, aerial mapping, well drilling, environmental assessments, funding acquisition and phased construction. The expected completion date of the project is Dec. 31, 2018. At that time, Shungopavi and other communities tied into the HAMP will have compliant arsenic levels. However funding still needs to be established.

Kuwanquaftewa, stated, "Support at the village level is critical in advancing this project and ultimately providing safe arsenic compliant drinking water to the First and Second Mesa villages."

For more information, contact the Hopi Water Resources Program at (928) 734-3713.

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