Understanding Sampling Terms on Perchlorate in Pierre's Water System
Detected
Detected means that perchlorate was measured above a reporting level in a sample collected from the Pierre public water system. It does not mean it is above any health standard or unsafe.
Median
The median is the middle value of perchlorate levels found in the samples. For Pierre's system, perchlorate was never detected above the reporting level; therefore, no median perchlorate concentration is reported.
Range
The range shows the lowest to highest perchlorate measurements found. For Pierre, all 22 samples tested between July and December 2003 found perchlorate below the detection limit of 4.0 micrograms per liter.
Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Water Users
Is the perchlorate level consistent over time?
Industrial users often need to verify consistent water quality before processes. The Pierre system’s monitoring period showed no perchlorate detected above reporting levels in multiple samples, indicating no known spikes during that time.
How might perchlorate affect water treatment equipment?
Some commercial equipment may require water free of perchlorate for optimal operation. Knowing the range and detection helps evaluate if treatment is necessary.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Perchlorate in Household Water
Potential impact if perchlorate were present
Perchlorate can affect thyroid function when consumed in significant amounts over time. The Pierre system has no recorded health-based violation related to perchlorate, indicating no evidence of harmful levels in public water.
Signs to observe in household water quality
Perchlorate does not impart taste or odor changes that are noticeable in a home’s water supply.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Perchlorate Levels
Dates of sampling
Monitoring occurred from July 15 to December 3, 2003, providing a seasonal snapshot rather than continuous data.
Implications of sample timing
Perchlorate levels can vary based on source water and environmental factors. Pierre’s surface water source did not show detectable perchlorate during this period.
Recognizing Symptoms in Households and Properties
Water symptoms related to perchlorate
Perchlorate presence is not associated with changes in water clarity, taste, or odor. Absence of such symptoms does not guarantee absence of perchlorate.
Non-water symptoms
Health effects relate to prolonged ingestion at higher concentrations, which Pierre’s water record does not indicate.
Considerations for Different Household Types
Large households
More water usage may increase exposure if perchlorate were present. Monitoring remains important as individual household testing is required to confirm water quality.
Second homes and seasonal properties
Intermittent water use may reduce continuous exposure risk but does not affect perchlorate levels in source water itself.
Summary
Government monitoring found no perchlorate detected above reporting levels in Pierre's public water system. Households concerned about perchlorate can test their specific water supply to understand their exposure and consider the Pentair Perchlorate Filter, which ships ready to configure for home use, to address perchlorate if detected.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2003-12-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR1 monitoring (2001-2005) for PIERRE (SD4600242), SD: 22 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.