How Groundwater Serves Dover Homes
In Dover, Kent County, the public water system draws from groundwater sources to supply nearly 40,000 residents through more than 13,000 connections. This underground water travels through aquifers before reaching household taps, filtered and treated by the Dover Water Department. Water quality at the wellhead influences what arrives at your faucet, but plumbing and household factors also play vital roles in the water you use daily.
Plumbing Materials and Their Impact on Water Quality
The type and age of plumbing in a home can affect water quality independently of the source water. Older pipes or certain materials may interact with water to influence taste, color, or mineral content. These effects are distinct from contaminants originating in groundwater and require separate consideration when evaluating water quality concerns.
Interpreting Chromium-6 Levels Compared to Federal Standards
Government monitoring of the Dover Water Department public water system, conducted between 2014 and 2015, showed chromium-6 detected in some samples at levels ranging up to 1.7 micrograms per liter (µg/L). These detections came from a set of 36 samples with five above the reporting threshold of 0.03 µg/L. While no federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists specifically for chromium-6, the MCL for total chromium is 100 µg/L. All recorded sample levels fall well below this standard, indicating no exceedances or violations in the water system.
It's important to understand that a detection means the presence of chromium-6 at measurable levels but does not by itself indicate a health risk, noncompliance, or unsafe water. The terms 'violation' or 'exceedance' do not apply based on these findings.
Differences Between Public System Records and Private Well Testing
Public water system data reflect average and range values from treated water serving many homes and are not specific to any individual household's tap. Private wells require individual testing to determine exact water content for that location. Homeowners relying on public water can use system data for general context but may need personalized tests to understand their own water quality fully.
Steps to Evaluate Your Household Water Quality
- Check your plumbing to identify materials and age that might influence water taste or appearance.
- Review local public water quality reports such as those provided by the Dover Water Department.
- Consider individual water testing for your home, especially if you have concerns about specific contaminants like chromium-6.
Understanding the Median and Range of Chromium-6 in Dover Water
The median reported chromium-6 level among detections was 0.39 µg/L, with the highest measurement at 1.7 µg/L. These figures illustrate typical concentrations found in the public water system during the monitoring period but do not define your home's water quality. Individual testing is necessary to confirm local conditions.
Maintaining Water Quality with the Pentair Chromium-6 Filter
The Pentair Chromium-6 Filter system is designed to reduce chromium-6 concentrations from household water. It ships ready to configure with your existing plumbing setup. Regular maintenance involves following the manufacturer's guidance on filter replacement intervals to ensure continued performance without interrupting your water supply.
Final Step: Testing to Confirm Your Water's Chromium-6 Level
To resolve questions about chromium-6 in your home's water, order a comprehensive water test from a certified laboratory. This test will quantify chromium-6 levels specific to your household. A result aligning with local public system data would indicate typical regional concentrations, helping you decide if additional filtration like the Pentair Chromium-6 Filter is appropriate for your needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-03-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Dover Water Department (DE0000571), DE: 72 results across 2 listed contaminants, 9 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L