What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
When reviewing the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) data for the Meridian Water Department serving Ada County, understanding terms like "detected," "median," and "range" is essential. "Detected" means the chemical was measured above the lab's minimum reporting level, but it does not imply a violation or unsafe condition. The "median" of detected measurements shows the middle value of results above that reporting level, giving a sense of typical detected amounts, while the "range" indicates the lowest to highest detected values within the sampling period. For 1,4-dioxane, out of 35 tests, two showed detections slightly above 0.07 micrograms per liter, with a highest reported level of 0.081 micrograms per liter and a median at 0.077 micrograms per liter. These detections are from the public water system's groundwater source and represent system-wide data, not individual homes.
How the Treated Water Differs at the Tap Once the Documented Technology Is in Place
Using the Autotrol 1,4-Dioxane Filter in your household configuration changes the water you receive at the tap by reducing 1,4-dioxane concentrations beyond what the municipal system provides. This equipment ships ready to configure with your home plumbing and operates continuously to lower this constituent. Treated water typically shows lower levels of 1,4-dioxane, contributing to improved water quality in regards to this chemical. While this cannot guarantee specific concentrations without individual testing, it represents a technical step to address the chemical's presence in regional supplies.
How the Documented Treatment Technology Removes or Neutralises the Constituent
The Autotrol System targets 1,4-dioxane by employing advanced filtration methods designed to capture and neutralize this volatile organic compound. It uses a combination of specialized media optimized for this contaminant’s chemical properties, effectively reducing the 1,4-dioxane that passes through your household water line. This treatment differs from general filtration by specifically addressing 1,4-dioxane’s small molecular size and persistence in groundwater, helping to mitigate its presence before water reaches your taps.
Which Fixtures, Appliances or Processes Are Affected First and Why
Fixtures and appliances that use water directly from your home supply—such as kitchen sinks, bathroom taps, and water-based appliances—experience the earliest changes after the Autotrol 1,4-Dioxane Filter is operational. Because these points receive the direct output of treated water, any reduction in 1,4-dioxane concentration there affects your daily water use most immediately. Other processes downstream or those using stored water may take longer to reflect changes in water quality due to the system’s filtration.
How to Compare This Area's Record with a Neighbouring County's Without Overreading It
The monitoring data for Ada County’s Meridian Water Department shows limited detections of 1,4-dioxane at low levels compared to some neighboring counties, which may have varying detection frequencies or concentrations. However, it is important not to overinterpret these differences since each public water system has its own groundwater source and treatment methods. Differences in the number of connections, population served, and sampling times also influence results. Therefore, comparing records should focus on recognizing variability in regional water sources rather than concluding one area’s water is definitively better or worse without specific, localized testing.
What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean
The highest 1,4-dioxane concentration detected in the Ada County system during EPA’s 2013-2015 monitoring was 0.081 micrograms per liter, well below the EPA’s cancer risk reference concentration of 0.35 micrograms per liter. This federal guideline helps assess potential health risk but is not a regulatory limit or standard requiring action. The detections indicate measured presence, not a violation or unsafe condition. The range of measurements reflects sampling variability and does not establish a chronic exposure level for any individual household. Separate testing of your home's water is necessary to determine your specific water quality.
It is important not to conclude from these area-wide data that your home's water contains this chemical at these levels or is unsafe. The public water system’s record shows no health-based violations for 1,4-dioxane. To know your home's specific water quality, conduct individual testing. Using a treatment like the Autotrol 1,4-Dioxane Filter provides an option to reduce 1,4-dioxane if present and assist in achieving improved water quality.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-09-09. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Meridian Water Department (ID4010097), ID: 35 results across 1 listed contaminants, 2 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL; EPA cancer risk reference concentration 0.35 ug/L
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