The Environmental Protection Agency's monitoring of the Artesian Water Company system that serves Bear, Hockessin, and neighboring areas in New Castle County reports no perchlorate detected above the reporting level of 4.0 micrograms per liter (µg/L) in tests performed from 2001 to 2005.
Reading the Perchlorate Monitoring Record as a Homeowner
Median and Range of Tested Perchlorate Levels
Among 48 samples taken by the Artesian Water Company under EPA's federal survey, none showed perchlorate levels above 4.0 µg/L. This means perchlorate was either not detected or measured below that threshold for all samples during the monitoring period. The record does not specify a median value but indicates a consistent non-detection at or above reporting limits.
Interpreting What These Results Mean for Your Specific Household
Because these data represent the surface water source treated and distributed by the public water system, they reflect general conditions but not your home's tap water specifically. Actual perchlorate concentration in your household water would require direct testing of your water supply.
Judging Treatment Capacity for Your Household Demand
Considering Daily Water Usage
Treatment options like the C-Series Perchlorate Filter consider your household’s daily water consumption to size the system's capacity appropriately. Knowing your typical volume of water used daily helps determine the filter’s workload and longevity.
Filter Throughput and Replacement Scheduling
The filter’s design supports managing the removal of perchlorate at levels consistent with reported regional data, but operational timeframes depend on actual water usage patterns and localized contamination—both of which should be evaluated through testing.
The Role of Plumbing Materials and Age
Source Water Quality Versus Internal Plumbing Effects
The EPA data reflect source water quality before it enters local distribution networks or household plumbing systems. Older plumbing or certain materials do not contribute perchlorate but may influence other water quality aspects not related to perchlorate levels.
Why Plumbing Does Not Affect Perchlorate Detection
Perchlorate originates from environmental sources affecting the surface water supply. It is not introduced through plumbing materials or household fixtures.
Information to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice
Water Test Results from Your Location
Arrange for a certified laboratory test of your home's water to identify perchlorate concentration or confirm its absence. This addresses uncertainties about your specific household conditions beyond the public system record.
Household Water Usage and Source Type
Note your average daily water consumption and whether your water is supplied by Artesian Water Company or another source. These details clarify what treatment capacity and technology are relevant.
Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Operators
Scale of Water Demand
Commercial and industrial users must account for higher daily volumes and may require larger-capacity filtration systems. Household concerns typically focus on personal consumption and small-scale water use.
Regulatory and Monitoring Obligations
Businesses might face specific monitoring and reporting requirements from regulatory agencies, unlike residential users who rely mainly on public water system compliance and optional private testing.
How Treated Water Changes at the Tap With the C-Series Perchlorate Filter
Reduction of Perchlorate Levels
The C-Series Perchlorate Filter utilizes targeted filtration technology designed to reduce perchlorate in drinking water, supporting improvement even when initial levels are low or not detected at reporting thresholds. This helps address any perchlorate presence specific to your household supply.
Maintaining Water Quality and Safety
Beyond perchlorate removal, this filtration does not adversely affect other water qualities, preserving taste and clarity while reducing perchlorate concentrations where detected.
This overview describes the EPA monitoring record for Artesian Water Company's public water supply serving Bear, Hockessin, and New Castle County, Delaware, and outlines considerations for residents evaluating perchlorate in their household water. For full data and regulatory context, consult the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System public water system records.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2002-05-29. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR1 monitoring (2001-2005) for ARTESIAN WATER COMPANY (DE0000552), DE: 48 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level