Arsenic levels in well water near Slana River within safe range

The presence of arsenic has not exceeded safe levels in any of the water samples taken from wells located near the polluted Slana River, and the quality of potable water is being constantly monitored, the Health Ministry told TASR news agency on Wednesday. Seven of the 26 samples had slightly elevated levels of iron, magnesium and nickel. "The increased levels of these elements in the water from the wells don't pose any direct threat to public health. Slightly increased iron levels are common even in normal plumbing, and increased magnesium levels have been detected in this location for a long time," stated the ministry press department. The Slana River has been discoloured with a reddish hue since mid-February due to underground water leaking from an iron ore mine located on the site of the former mining company Siderit. A preliminary analysis of the water detected a sharp increase in iron, manganese and sulphates, and the presence of arsenic.