Certified Laboratory Tests for Lead in Household Water
When a certified laboratory tests water for lead, the results typically focus on concentrations found at the tap and within household plumbing. The most informative number for community water systems is the 90th percentile lead level, a statistical measure representing concentrations in the majority of tested homes. For Wilmington, New Castle County, EPA records for the Wilmington Water Department show a lead 90th percentile concentration of 0 mg/L as of December 31, 2023. This figure reflects plumbing-related lead presence across sampled homes connected to the system, not the raw source water. It indicates that most tested homes had very low or undetectable lead levels in water at the tap during that sampling period. Interpreting test results from your own water requires a certified laboratory test of your household water samples, as system-wide data cannot determine your specific water's lead content.
How Water Quality Changes After Using the Fleck Lead in Water Filter
The Fleck Lead in Water Filter is designed to reduce lead that may be present in household water after it leaves the public system or well. Once this technology is configured at the point of use, the water delivered to taps in your home undergoes filtration that targets lead particles. This treatment can significantly lower lead content detected in follow-up laboratory testing, resulting in safer water for drinking and cooking. The filter focuses solely on lead reduction, helping to address concerns stemming from older plumbing or localized lead sources that public system data cannot address. The outcome is water with appreciably lower lead concentrations reaching your household faucets.
Considerations for Larger or Seasonal Households
Households with multiple residents or properties used seasonally should note that water usage patterns and stagnation can affect lead levels at the tap. Water sitting in pipes for extended periods may increase lead leaching from plumbing materials. Larger households with higher water turnover generally experience less stagnation, potentially reducing lead exposure risk compared to seasonal homes where water use is intermittent. Testing water at times representative of typical use is important in these contexts. The Fleck system can be adapted to homes with varying occupancy schedules, maintaining effective lead reduction regardless of household size or seasonal occupancy.
Information to Gather Before Seeking Water Treatment Guidance
Before consulting water treatment resources or professionals, document key information about your water supply and household:
- Whether your water comes from the Wilmington Water Department or a private well
- Results from recent certified laboratory tests of your household water focusing on lead
- Any history of water quality concerns, including discoloration or taste changes
- Age and material of household plumbing, especially presence of lead pipes or fixtures
- Frequency and volume of water use in your home
Having these details enables more precise recommendations suited to your situation.
Sampling Scope Behind Wilmington’s Lead Data and Implications of Small Samples
The lead concentration figure of 0 mg/L reported for Wilmington’s public water system is derived from a sampling program conducted across a subset of homes connected to the system. This sampling reflects conditions at certain points in the distribution network and household plumbing but does not cover every home individually. Small sample sizes mean that results provide a broad regional overview rather than definitive data for any single location. Therefore, individual testing remains essential for households especially if prior water equipment has failed and lead concerns persist.
Comparing Lead Data of Wilmington and Neighboring Counties
Lead occurrence in water varies between regions due to differences in source water, treatment methods, and plumbing infrastructure. While Wilmington’s public water system shows a 0 mg/L lead 90th percentile as per EPA records, neighboring counties may report different values depending on their water sources and system conditions. Care should be taken not to assume equivalency or risk levels based solely on geographic proximity. Each public water system’s data and household plumbing situation should be evaluated to understand actual lead exposure potential.
When lead concerns arise in Wilmington homes with failed existing equipment, the Fleck Lead in Water Filter offers a targeted solution. By configuring this system where water enters your home, you can reduce lead content effectively based on your household’s measured demand, improving water quality at the tap.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for WILMINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT (DE0000663), surface water supply, serving 107976 people: 1 health-based violations of 5 total; lead 90th percentile 0 mg/L
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