Fleck Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter

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1. How Public-System Records Differ From Private-Well Testing in What They Establish

Government reports show system-wide sampling results, not individual household water

The EPA’s data for United Water of NY - Westchester Rate District #2 covers the collective water supply serving over 57,000 people in Port Chester, Rye Brook, and Rye. These records do not reveal the exact condition of any single home’s water. A private well test is needed to know a household’s specific water quality.

Federal monitoring identifies detections above reporting levels, not safety violations

Data records reflect whether algal toxins like microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a were measured above minimal detection levels during monitoring events. Detecting these substances does not mean the water is unsafe or violates any health standard—EPA enforces zero health-based violations for this system.

2. How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means

Thirty-two samples were collected from April to August 2019 in the public water system

This sample size limits broad conclusions. While no detections were above reporting levels during these samples, a larger or different sampling schedule could yield different results. This highlights the difference between survey data and ongoing household water monitoring.

Samples represent surface water sources feeding the public system, not private wells

Private wells draw from different underground supplies. Their algal toxin levels can differ from public system records due to separate water sources and treatment processes.

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

Monitoring occurred during spring and summer months of 2019 over a three-month span

Algal toxin levels tend to rise in warmer months when algae growth increases. This limited seasonal window provides a snapshot but does not cover potential fluctuations over multiple years or other seasons, which can affect toxin presence.

Consistent non-detection in these months suggests low algal toxin risk at the system level

None of the 32 samples detected microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, or anatoxin-a above reporting thresholds. This consistency supports stable system water quality during these months.

4. How to Compare This Area's Record With a Neighboring County's Without Overreading It

Data from Westchester’s United Water system cannot be directly applied to other counties

Local water sources, treatment, and environmental conditions vary by county. Comparing algal toxin data between Westchester and neighboring areas is informative only at a high level and should not be used to infer individual household water conditions.

Differences in sampling methods, frequency, and reporting levels may affect apparent results

Understanding each area's monitoring approach prevents false assumptions about safer or riskier water in adjacent counties.

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

No algal toxins were detected above reporting limits in any sample in this Westchester water system

For microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a, all 32 samples showed zero readings above detection thresholds. As a homeowner, this means the system’s surface water source was free of measurable algal toxins during the tested period.

To know your own household water’s algal toxin levels, order a private lab test targeting microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, and anatoxin-a

This test confirms whether algal toxins are present in your tap water, regardless of the public system’s overall records.

To reduce potential algal toxin exposure, consider the Fleck Algal Toxins (Cyanotoxins) Filter, which ships ready to configure for household use. This system is designed to address cyanotoxin removal when testing indicates a need.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2019-08-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR4 monitoring (2018-2020) for United Water of NY - Westchester Rate District #2 (NY5903456), NY: 96 results across 3 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level