If Your Concern Is Distinguishing Lead from Other Metals in Water
Lead is often confused with metals like iron or copper, which can also affect water quality but arise from different causes and need different treatments. The key difference is that lead contamination typically comes from plumbing components rather than the water source itself. This distinction affects your choice of treatment class because technologies designed for iron or copper do not necessarily reduce lead effectively.
If Your Home’s Plumbing Is Older or Contains Lead Components
Lead concentration detected by local authorities—measured at the tap across the DeKalb County system—reflects plumbing materials and household plumbing age rather than source water. Homes built before lead plumbing regulations or with lead solder are more likely to have elevated lead levels that require targeted treatment. Testing your own water specifically for lead at your fixtures is essential to confirm your home's situation.
If You Want to Understand How DeKalb County’s Lead Data Compares to Nearby Areas
DeKalb County’s public water system record, sampled in late 2024, shows a 90th percentile lead level of 0.0055 mg/L, indicating the concentration found in the highest 10% of sampled taps. This figure is a statistical summary of distributed water, not source water, and differs from neighboring counties that may have distinct plumbing profiles or treatment methods. Comparing these figures can inform but should not dictate your home's decision since your local plumbing conditions matter most.
If You Want to Know How Water Quality Changes at the Tap with Treatment
The C-Series Lead in Water Filter system ships ready to configure and addresses lead present in household water after municipal treatment. This system reduces lead concentrations at the tap, improving water quality where it matters most—your faucets and drinking water. Choosing this treatment class is a practical step if your test shows elevated lead, distinguishing it from general water softening or sediment treatments.
If You Need an Example of Interpreting Lead Statistics for Your Home
From the DeKalb record, the median lead value lies well below the 90th percentile, meaning most homes have lower levels. However, specific homes above this median can have lead levels closer to or above the 90th percentile figure, mainly due to household plumbing. Testing your water gives the concrete data needed to decide if treatment like the C-Series system is needed.
If You Wonder Which Fixtures or Appliances Lead Affects First
Lead tends to leach into water when it sits in pipes, so fixtures rarely used or with older plumbing can show higher lead. Drinking fountains, kitchen sinks, and bathroom taps used for drinking or cooking are the highest priority for treatment. Appliances using water for consumption or food prep also benefit from lead removal at the point of use.
What You Should Not Conclude from DeKalb County Water Lead Data
The countywide 90th percentile lead measurement does not indicate a violation or unsafe water for any given home. It does not describe the source water but rather reflects distributed water potentially influenced by plumbing materials. No health-based violations are recorded for DeKalb County’s water system. Your household water lead level can only be confirmed by a certified lab test of your tap water. The data support informed decision-making to select appropriate lead treatment classes such as the C-Series Lead in Water Filter, which is designed to reduce lead where it matters most—in your home’s tap water.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2024-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for DEKALB COUNTY (GA0890001), surface water supply, serving 743000 people: 0 health-based violations of 2 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0055 mg/L