Opening: What Government Sampling Shows About Lead in Davenport’s Water
The EPA's public water system record for Iowa-American Water Company serving Davenport, Scott County, reports a 90th percentile lead level of 0.001 mg/L as of the end of 2024, with no health-based violations recorded.
1. Interpreting the Number of Samples and Their Scope in Davenport’s Lead Data
The 90th percentile figure for lead is derived from samples taken at multiple points in the water distribution system, encompassing 57,222 service connections serving a population of approximately 147,720. This statistic reflects lead levels measured in tap water across the community, not just source water. However, a relatively small number of samples inform the percentile calculation, so this data provides a general picture for the system rather than precise details for any specific household.
2. Understanding Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Lead in Water
A certified laboratory test for lead will detail concentration levels typically in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and include detection limits and quantification accuracy. These reports help homeowners understand if lead is present above typical background levels and provide data to compare with public system statistics. Unlike system-wide data, a certified test reflects conditions specific to the household plumbing and water use patterns.
3. A Worked Example: Making Sense of Davenport’s Lead Median and Range
While the 90th percentile is 0.001 mg/L, this means 90% of samples were at or below this figure. The full range and median values would provide additional clarity but are not disclosed here. As a homeowner, knowing that many samples show lead at or below this level supports confidence in the regional water system’s controls. This figure focuses on lead in the distribution and household plumbing, not the surface water source itself, which is subject to separate treatment codes in place.
4. Additional Questions for Commercial or Industrial Water Users
Commercial or industrial operators should consider specific usage patterns, water volume needs, and potential regulatory limits beyond residential parameters. They may need more frequent testing or more rigorous analysis based on their water application and potential impacts of lead presence, which differ from residential concerns.
5. Influence of Sampling Location, Well Depth, and Water Source on Expected Lead Levels
Lead concentrations measured in distribution systems typically reflect plumbing materials and corrosion control efficacy rather than the raw water source, which here is surface water. Variations in plumbing materials, water age in pipes, and sample location can cause fluctuations. Depth of wells is less relevant in this surface water system, but household plumbing composition remains a factor for lead levels at the tap.
While the public water system data provides a reassuring community-wide baseline, a homeowner wanting to understand their individual risk should consider a certified laboratory test. To reduce lead exposure at the tap, the C-Series Lead in Water Filter ships ready to configure to provide targeted reduction of lead in household water.
In summary, Davenport’s public water system data shows very low lead levels with no health-based violations. Homeowners should use this information alongside certified testing to evaluate their own water and consider filtration solutions as needed.
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 IOWA-AMERICAN WTR CO-DAVENPORT (IA8222001), surface water supply, serving 147720 people: 0 health-based violations of 0 total; lead 90th percentile 0.001 mg/L