Fleck Perchlorate Filter

Buy Now

View full details

What a Certified Laboratory Test for Perchlorate Reports and How to Read It

When you receive a certified laboratory report measuring perchlorate in your home's water, the results will show the concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L), sometimes called parts per billion. This figure reflects what the testing method detected in your specific sample, which is distinct from any general regional data. The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) uses a reporting level of 4.0 µg/L, meaning that only results at or above this threshold are reported as detected by the test.

It is important to understand that detection does not imply a legal violation or unsafe condition. For example, the public water system serving Hampton, Rockingham County, NH, called AQUARION WATER CO OF NH (NH1051010), which supplies groundwater to about 8,644 connections, had no perchlorate detections above the 4.0 µg/L reporting level in federal monitoring from 2002. No federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists for perchlorate, so no regulatory limit was exceeded.

A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Hampton Homeowner Would

The EPA monitoring record for the AQUARION WATER CO OF NH system in Hampton shows 18 samples collected between July and December 2002, with zero detections above the reporting limit of 4.0 µg/L perchlorate. This reflects that none of the samples registered a measurable perchlorate concentration by federal test criteria during that period.

As a homeowner, this means the system's water supply has historically shown perchlorate at levels too low for detection in that survey. However, since this is a system-wide record, it does not guarantee that individual homes will have identical results. Local plumbing or well variations could cause differences.

Which Fixtures, Appliances, or Processes Are Affected First and Why

Perchlorate is a highly soluble chemical, meaning it dissolves easily and moves through water systems without settling or binding to surfaces. Because of this, it generally appears uniformly in water supply lines if present at detectable levels.

Fixtures such as drinking water taps and appliances like ice makers or coffee machines are most directly affected by perchlorate levels, as they deliver water for consumption. However, without detectable perchlorate in supply water, the concentration delivered to these points remains below measurable levels, minimizing any direct impact.

The Role of Plumbing Material and Age, Separate from the Source Water

Plumbing materials and their age do not influence perchlorate levels because perchlorate does not interact significantly with pipes or fittings. Unlike metallic contaminants that can leach from old materials, perchlorate's chemistry is unaffected by plumbing composition.

Therefore, any perchlorate measured in household water originates from the water source or distribution system rather than from in-home plumbing. Testing your home's water directly remains the only way to assess perchlorate presence in your specific situation.

How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record (Dates and Ranges Given)

The federal monitoring data for Hampton’s water system covers a six-month span from July to December 2002. During this period, no perchlorate was detected above 4.0 µg/L in any of the 18 samples taken, indicating stable and low perchlorate levels over that half-year.

While this snapshot does not cover every season or year since, such federal surveys are designed to provide a representative view of source water conditions. Homeowners should note that water quality can vary with time, so ongoing testing may be advisable if perchlorate remains a concern.

Final Considerations: Testing Your Household Water and Addressing Perchlorate Concerns

The only way to confirm perchlorate levels in your household water is to obtain a certified laboratory test specific to your home’s supply. This test will provide an accurate measurement of perchlorate concentration where you actually use the water.

If perchlorate is detected and you seek to reduce its presence, treatment equipment such as the Fleck Perchlorate Filter ships ready to configure and can address perchlorate through specialized filtration technology. Considering the system’s historic nondetections, the need for treatment depends entirely on your home’s own test results.

Ordering a certified laboratory test focused on perchlorate concentration is the best step toward understanding your water and making an informed equipment choice for your household needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2002-12-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR1 monitoring (2001-2005) for AQUARION WATER CO OF NH (NH1051010), NH: 18 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level