Perchlorate Is Widespread in Groundwater Due to Its Use in Various Products
In Brookfield, Waukesha County, perchlorate can enter the groundwater mainly through the breakdown of fireworks, explosives, and some fertilizers historically used in the area. The public water system draws from this groundwater, potentially carrying low levels of perchlorate. However, according to the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR1) data from 2003, perchlorate was not detected above the reporting level of 4.0 micrograms per liter in the Brookfield Water Utility system. This means no perchlorate was measured at or above the detection threshold during that survey period.
Water Treated with Specialized Filtration Shows Reduced Perchlorate at the Tap
When water passes through a filtration system designed for perchlorate removal, such as the C-Series Perchlorate Filter, the concentration of perchlorate entering the household plumbing is reduced. This filter uses advanced technology to specifically target perchlorate molecules, resulting in clearer water with less of this constituent at fixtures and faucets. Households using this technology typically experience water that meets or falls below detectable perchlorate levels, though individual water testing is necessary to confirm results.
Certified Laboratory Tests Detect Perchlorate by Reporting Concentrations Relative to Reporting Levels
A certified laboratory test will measure the perchlorate concentration in your water sample and report it in micrograms per liter (µg/L). The report typically states whether perchlorate was detected above the laboratory’s reporting level—in this case, 4.0 µg/L as used in EPA’s monitoring. If perchlorate is not detected, the report will show it as below the reporting level. Only a specific test from your household water source can determine your exact level, as regional public water system data do not specify individual homes.
Fixtures Like Drinking Fountains and Kitchen Faucets Show Effects of Perchlorate First
The water pouring from kitchen sinks, drinking fountains, and other fixtures used for direct consumption is most directly impacted by perchlorate presence. Appliances that use water for drinking or cooking concentrate on delivering safe water where perchlorate reduction is particularly beneficial. Using a dedicated perchlorate filter on these points can help ensure water used for ingestion has minimized perchlorate levels compared to untreated input.
Perchlorate Differs from Similar Constituents Like Chloride or Total Dissolved Solids
Perchlorate is distinct from chloride and total dissolved solids, which can also be present in groundwater but affect water taste, corrosivity, and staining rather than mimic perchlorate’s chemical behavior. While chloride and TDS have secondary standards focusing on aesthetics, perchlorate is a separate chemical whose presence is monitored to understand potential impacts on sensitive populations. It is important not to confuse perchlorate detection with these other parameters, as each requires specific testing and treatment approaches.
Comparing Brookfield's Perchlorate Data with Nearby Waukesha Areas Requires Careful Interpretation
Nearby counties in Wisconsin may have different perchlorate monitoring records due to varying groundwater sources and local industrial histories. Comparing Brookfield’s public water system perchlorate data—which shows no detections above 4.0 µg/L during EPA’s monitoring period—with adjacent systems should be done carefully and not assumed to represent local household water quality. Variations in sampling times, water sources, and treatment methods affect these comparisons.
In summary, the Brookfield Water Utility public record, serving over 10,000 connections, shows no perchlorate detected above 4.0 µg/L in federal monitoring from 2003. This data reflects the water system as a whole, not individual homes. Households concerned about perchlorate can consider testing their private water or using the C-Series Perchlorate Filter, which ships ready to configure, to reduce perchlorate at the tap. For more detailed official information, see the EPA public water system records for Brookfield Water Utility.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2003-07-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR1 monitoring (2001-2005) for BROOKFIELD WATER UTILITY (WI2680253), WI: 32 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level