Local Water Source and Distribution
In Washington County, Arkansas, the public water supply known as Prairie Grove Waterworks serves approximately 9,615 residents through nearly 3,846 service connections. This system draws from surface water sources, which undergo treatment before reaching household taps. Understanding this system's operation is essential for homeowners evaluating their water quality at home.
Meaning of 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in Water Sampling
Government water quality reports use terms such as 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' to summarize testing results. 'Detected' indicates that a specific constituent was measured by instruments during sampling, but does not imply any violation or unsafe condition by itself. The 'median' reflects the middle value of repeated measurements, providing a typical level found in the system. The 'range' shows the span from lowest to highest recorded concentrations. These statistics describe overall system conditions, not individual household water.
Distinctions Between Public System Records and Private Well Testing
Public water system records like those from Prairie Grove Waterworks offer an overview of the water quality delivered through the community distribution network. These results do not substitute for direct testing of private wells or household plumbing, which can have different water characteristics. Homeowners wanting to know precise water quality inside their home should arrange for specific on-site testing tailored to their individual supply.
Interpreting Median and Range: A Homeowner’s Example
For instance, the most recent record lists a lead 90th percentile measure of 0.001 mg/L based on sampling completed at the distribution point. This figure reflects lead levels related to plumbing materials within the system, not the untreated source water. It helps characterize the plumbing environment residents face but doesn’t reveal the exact lead concentration at any single tap. Understanding such data aids in assessing if additional home treatment is warranted.
Changes at the Tap with Advanced Water Treatment Technology
The Fleck Whole-Home + Drinking Combo System, with a grain capacity of 32,000, ships ready to configure as a comprehensive water treatment solution. When in operation, it addresses various water quality factors within the whole house, improving the water's condition before consumption. This system integrates multiple treatment processes suitable for surface-water-derived supplies like those in Washington County, supporting better-tasting and more aesthetically pleasing water throughout the home.
Health-Based Limits vs. Aesthetic Secondary Standards
Water quality standards are divided into health-based limits and aesthetic secondary standards. Health-based limits focus on constituents that pose health risks if exceeded. In contrast, aesthetic secondary standards relate to taste, odor, staining, and corrosivity but do not indicate health hazards by themselves. The Prairie Grove Waterworks system’s records include seven health-based violations overall, but interpreting these requires understanding their context and whether they reflect current conditions or compliance efforts underway.
Choosing to enhance your home’s water often involves considering both safety and comfort factors. Testing your specific household water remains the definitive step to determine particular needs.
In summary, Prairie Grove Waterworks’ public record offers a valuable overview of water conditions in Washington County. Evaluating these data points alongside targeted household testing and employing a system like the Fleck Whole-Home + Drinking Combo System helps ensure water quality improvements at the tap, perfectly suited for the local supply characteristics.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for PRAIRIE GROVE WATERWORKS (AR0000573), surface water supply, serving 9615 people: 7 health-based violations of 7 total; lead 90th percentile 0.001 mg/L
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