Pentair Lead in Water Filter

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Reading the Lead Sampling Record as a Homeowner

The EPA’s water system record for Tacoma Water Division in Pierce County shows a lead 90th percentile of 0 mg/L based on samples collected through the end of 2025. This means that in the samples taken from customer taps within the system, lead was not detected at or above measurable levels in 90% of those taps. As a homeowner, this figure does not mean your tap water contains zero lead, only that the majority of sampled points within the system fell below the detection threshold.

Interpreting 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in the Sampling Data

When the EPA reports a value such as the 90th percentile for lead, it reflects a distribution of lead concentrations from a sample set rather than a fixed number for all homes. 'Detected' indicates lead was measurable in some samples, but this is not a violation nor proof of unsafe water. The median and range provide insight into variability: a median near zero and a low range indicate most samples had very low or undetectable levels. Importantly, these data reflect water after it has passed through the water system and some household plumbing, not the source water alone.

What to Note Before Seeking Treatment Advice

Before selecting any water treatment equipment, note these details about your household water:

• Whether your home has lead-containing plumbing fixtures or pipes, especially in older construction.
• Recent water testing results from a certified lab for your tap's lead concentration, as local system data cannot substitute for this.
• Any known changes in your water source or treatment processes communicated by your water provider.

These facts determine if lead treatment equipment is appropriate and which technology best matches your needs.

Understanding the Measured Lead Range Against Federal Standards

The EPA’s lead 90th percentile figure is a benchmark for compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule. A 0 mg/L 90th percentile suggests Tacoma Water Division meets EPA’s action levels based on recent monitoring. However, this is not a guarantee that all homes have zero lead. Lead can enter tap water primarily through household plumbing rather than source water. Compliance does not rule out the potential benefit of point-of-use filtration for individual households concerned about lead.

How Lead Differs from Other Common Water Concerns

Lead differs from mineral or aesthetic issues like hardness or chloride in that its presence relates to plumbing materials and corrosion control rather than water source composition. Unlike bacteria or organic contaminants, lead is a metal and does not multiply or degrade in water. Treatment equipment designed for lead focuses on filtration technologies that target particulate and dissolved metals, contrasting with methods aimed at microbial removal or taste improvements.

Recommended Next Step: Certified Lead Testing of Your Tap Water

To decide whether to use a treatment system such as the Pentair Lead in Water Filter, start with a certified laboratory analysis of your household tap water. A test confirming lead concentrations below EPA action levels can reassure you that specialized lead filtration may not be necessary. Conversely, elevated lead levels in your home water supply would indicate that targeted filtration technology designed to reduce lead is appropriate. This test result provides the definitive basis for choosing the right water treatment approach for your household’s needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF (WA5386800), surface water supply, serving 446170 people: 9 health-based violations of 12 total; lead 90th percentile 0 mg/L