Autotrol Perchlorate Filter

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Distinguishing Perchlorate from Commonly Confused Water Issues

Perchlorate is a unique chemical

Perchlorate is not the same as typical minerals or metals often discussed in household water, such as iron or hardness. It is an oxidizer commonly linked to industrial sources, which can be present in water supplies without affecting taste or color.

This problem differs from bacterial or organic contamination

Unlike microbial contaminants that cause illness, perchlorate's concerns relate to its potential impact on thyroid function over long exposure. It is neither a microbial agent nor a conventional water hardness factor.

Understanding Measured Levels Versus Federal Standards

Rapid City's public water system monitoring found no perchlorate above 4.0 µg/L

EPA monitoring during 2002-2003 reported no perchlorate detected above the federal reporting level in Rapid City’s surface water supply, serving over 72,000 people. This level is the detection threshold for the monitoring but does not represent a safety limit.

There is currently no established federal maximum contaminant level for perchlorate

The EPA has not set a legal limit for perchlorate in drinking water. Therefore, detecting perchlorate does not indicate a violation or unsafe water by regulatory standards.

Long-Term Effects If Perchlorate Is Not Addressed

Prolonged exposure to elevated perchlorate may influence thyroid hormone production

Scientific studies suggest that chronic high-level perchlorate exposure can interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland, potentially disrupting hormone balance. Household water treatment can reduce perchlorate to minimize this risk.

Effects can be subtle and require ongoing attention

Because perchlorate does not cause immediate symptoms and is tasteless and odorless, regular water testing helps determine if treatment is advisable over time.

Steps to Determine if Perchlorate Is a Concern for Your Home

Start with a review of your water source

Check whether your household receives water from Rapid City’s public system or from a private well, as official monitoring data applies only to the public system.

Consider initial screening tests

Basic water quality tests for common substances will not detect perchlorate. Specific laboratory analyses are necessary to measure perchlorate concentration in your water.

Obtain a laboratory test that includes perchlorate measurement

Water samples sent to certified labs can quantify perchlorate accurately, informing your choice about treatment options.

How to Interpret 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in This Sampling Record

'Detected' means an instrument recorded perchlorate at or above the reporting level

In the 2002-2003 monitoring, perchlorate was not detected above 4.0 µg/L in any samples, indicating levels were either below detection or absent within that period.

'Median' and 'range' describe the distribution of measurements across samples

For Rapid City’s water, with no detections reported, the median and range demonstrate that perchlorate concentrations were consistently low or undetectable.

These data reflect system-wide monitoring, not individual household water quality

Individual water conditions may vary; local testing is necessary for specific household assessments.

What Not to Conclude from Area Perchlorate Data

Do not assume your household water contains perchlorate at the levels found or not found in the Rapid City public water system data. These results are averages and summaries of the municipal supply and do not measure private wells or home plumbing.

If perchlorate is a concern based on your water source, testing your own water is the only way to know your specific condition. If perchlorate is present, the Autotrol Perchlorate Filter ships ready to configure and is documented to reduce perchlorate effectively for household use.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2003-10-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR1 monitoring (2001-2005) for RAPID CITY (SD4600406), SD: 21 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level