In recent tests the water at Rio Verde RV park showed a high level of arsenic, concerning residents of Yavapai County and RVers at the park near Cottonwood, Arizona.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials have confirmed the levels of arsenic flowing at taps in the RV park exceed the levels deemed safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, reported ABC 15.
The issue has been on the state agency’s radar for about a year.
“The most recent data we have for them shows that we are exceeding the arsenic standard. The arsenic standard is 10 parts per billion, they are currently at 35,” said Trevor Baggiore, the water quality director for ADEQ.
The Rio Verde RV park is considered a state-regulated private utility company, as it provides water to residents in the community. ADEQ said while arsenic was commonly found in Arizona soil when it leaches into groundwater, at very high levels it could be deemed hazardous to health with prolonged exposure.
State officials said they expect utility companies with arsenic levels that were too high to do their due diligence and inform residents about the problem so people could make their own decision on whether to drink the water or not. They also required the utility company to provide an alternate source of water to residents.
ADEQ officials said the RV park had applied for a construction permit to build a treatment system that would reduce the levels of arsenic in the water. They had 120 days to submit their construction plans to ADEQ for approval and would inspect the system after it was built to make sure it met state standards.
ADEQ officials will be inspecting the water every few months until it is deemed safe to drink
I know you’re busy, but we had a situation today that was really irritating. Iowa’s roads are normally pretty dang good. However, we took IA 150 north out of Independence today and had one of those bucking bronco rides. Think of kangaroo bounces or a horse with an awful jog trot. We had to keep our speed between 40 and 45 and move all over the lane to find the smoothest track. We ran into this one other time in Oklahoma and had to drive about 30 mph so our trailer didn’t disintegrate. I’m thinking this might be a good idea for RVers to post roads by state that should be avoided. IA 150 would qualify as one to be avoided.