How the Fleck System Treats Lead in Household Water
Lead removal by filtration and adsorption
The Fleck Lead in Water Filter uses a specialized media designed to reduce lead concentrations by trapping lead particles and ions present in water flowing through the system. This technology works without chemicals and maintains water flow suitable for household needs.
Effectiveness depends on proper system setup
The Fleck System ships ready to configure, enabling households to set it according to their water conditions. Proper configuration is key to achieving lead reduction consistent with the system's documented capabilities.
How Lead Enters the Distribution System in Androscoggin
Lead comes primarily from plumbing materials, not source water
Lewiston Water & Sewer Division obtains surface water as its supply. The presence of lead in sampled water arises from household plumbing or distribution pipes rather than the original source water. Lead leaches into water from lead-containing components like service lines and solder.
Local water treatment and corrosion control processes
The system applies multiple treatments, as indicated by EPA codes 200, 380, 421, 720, and 740. These include filtration and corrosion inhibitors to limit lead dissolution from pipes, helping keep lead levels low in distribution.
Seasonal and Multi-year Variations in Lead Levels
Single recent sample frame guides expectations
Lead sampling for Lewiston was taken on December 31, 2023, reporting a 90th percentile lead concentration of 0.0023 mg/L. This percentile reflects plumbing-related lead levels across homes served, not source water.
Variation tied to plumbing and water chemistry changes
Lead levels may fluctuate seasonally or yearly depending on water chemistry, pipe conditions, and treatment adjustments. However, the available data represents a snapshot rather than a full seasonal profile.
Comparing Androscoggin’s Lead Data with Neighboring Counties
Consider differences in water source and treatment
Neighboring counties may have different water sources, treatment processes, and infrastructure materials, affecting lead measures. When comparing lead data, be cautious not to assume similar conditions or levels across boundaries.
Use percentile-based values to avoid misinterpretation
The 90th percentile measure gives a distribution overview rather than worst-case. Comparing percentiles helps maintain perspective on relative exposure rather than isolated concentrations.
Fixtures and Appliances Affected First by Lead Presence
Cold water taps and kitchen fixtures often show higher lead
Lead is more likely to accumulate in household fixtures with lead solder or components. Taps used intermittently or those with brass parts can show elevated lead in initial drawn water.
Appliances drawing directly from taps may also be impacted
Filters or appliances connected to main taps can experience lead exposure first, necessitating treatment solutions upstream or integrated with these points.
Influence of Sample Depth, Well Depth, and Source Type on Lead Expectations
Surface water source limits lead presence before distribution
Lewiston’s public supply is surface water, which generally contains very low or no lead naturally. Lead in the water system reflects plumbing, not deep well or groundwater contamination.
Sample depth in distribution plumbing affects measured lead
Lead sampling reflects water collected at consumer taps, incorporating any lead leached from household piping or service lines, distinct from source measurements.
Final Step: Testing Your Household Lead Level
To confirm your home's lead situation, arrange a laboratory test of water drawn at your tap, ideally using certified sampling methods for lead. A lead concentration below 0.0023 mg/L would indicate your home water is at or better than the system’s 90th percentile level. This result can guide equipment choice and configuration decisions with confidence.
The Fleck Lead in Water Filter offers a documented technology option to reduce lead where needed, shipping ready to configure to adapt to your specific water profile.
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 LEWISTON WATER & SEWER DIVISION (ME0090830), surface water supply, serving 23720 people: 1 health-based violations of 1 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0023 mg/L
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