Household Indicators That May or May Not Relate to Lead
Visible staining or discoloration
Staining is often linked to minerals other than lead and does not by itself confirm lead issues.
Metallic taste or unusual odor
Lead is tasteless and odorless; these signs typically indicate other water quality factors.
Plumbing age and material
Older plumbing systems may contain lead components, increasing exposure risk regardless of source water levels.
Health symptoms attributed to lead
Health impacts require professional evaluation and cannot confirm water source issues without testing.
Comparing Wilmington's Lead Record with Neighboring Counties
Zero lead 90th percentile in Wilmington's public system
Government sampling as of December 2023 indicates a lead 90th percentile of 0 mg/L for Wilmington Water Department's public water system.
Presence of one EPA health-based violation on record
There is a single health-based violation recorded, but it is not indicated that this violation pertains directly to lead.
Context of treatment process codes
Multiple treatment processes are in use, though their codes do not specify treatment directed solely at lead removal.
Steps to Rule Out or Confirm Lead Presence
Start with local water quality reports
Review annual consumer confidence reports to understand current water system data.
Check plumbing materials in the household
Identify if lead or lead-containing materials are part of internal plumbing where water passes.
Obtain a certified laboratory test of household water
This test is necessary to know the specific lead level at the tap or well serving the home.
How Source Type and Depth Affect Lead Expectations
Surface water source as Wilmington’s supply
Surface water generally has lower lead risk compared to groundwater sources potentially affected by natural deposits.
Sampling reflects distribution system, not source content
Lead 90th percentile refers to water at consumer taps, influenced by plumbing materials more than source water.
Sampling depth is not directly applicable
Unlike well water, public system sampling does not measure different depths but rather the distribution system broadly.
Understanding Certified Laboratory Lead Test Reports
Report includes lead concentration in mg/L
Certified tests provide exact lead levels at the tested tap; no single sample applies universally.
90th percentile vs individual sample values
The 90th percentile value summarizes multiple samples; individual household tests vary.
Results guide treatment decisions
High lead readings on household tests indicate need for filtration or replacement solutions.
Differentiating Lead from Similar Water Issues
Lead vs iron or manganese staining
Iron and manganese cause visible staining commonly mistaken for lead-related problems.
Lead vs corrosive water effects
Water corrosivity can mobilize lead from plumbing, but itself isn’t lead contamination.
Lead vs bacterial contamination
Presence of bacteria does not indicate lead and requires different testing and treatment.
Final Step to Resolve Concerns
Order a certified laboratory test specifically for lead in the household water. A result showing lead concentration below detection or minimal levels will generally confirm that lead is not a current issue requiring specialized treatment. If elevated lead is found, the C-Series Lead in Water Filter ships ready to configure and offers targeted reduction of lead to help safeguard household water.
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