AWWA WKICO66064

The objective of this powerpoint presentation was to evaluate arsenic exposure from Native American-owned community water systems and solutions to reduce exposure. The approach included: estimating the number of Native Americans exposed to arsenic through public data review; measuring arsenic concentrations in urine samples of 54 Walker River Paiute tribal members exposed to arsenic via drinking water; and, reviewing technical alternatives and policy recommendations to reduce arsenic exposure. Another CDC Arsenic Exposure Study is presented, Reducing Arsenic Levels in Drinking Water: Effects on the Body Burden of Arsenic, with the goals of: determining the urinary arsenic concentrations in the Walker River Paiute Tribal community; and, evaluating variations in urinary arsenic concentrations after construction of an arsenic removal treatment plant. A third project is presented of reducing arsenic exposure in Schurz, Nevada. Conclusions: arsenic exposure via community water systems is disproportionately impacting Native American Tribes; high arsenic exposure and biomarker measurements exist for Native Americans exposed to arsenic via their drinking water; and, the solution to reduce long-term exposure needs to be collaborative but timely. Includes tables, figures.