Fleck Chromium-6 Filter

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1. Understanding Regional Chromium-6 Measurements and Their Limits for Your Home

Government monitoring sampled chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium or chromium(VI), in the Bolling Water System serving parts of DC. This survey found chromium-6 present in all tested samples above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with levels up to 0.091 µg/L (or parts per billion). However, these values reflect the entire system's water quality and do not reveal the exact chromium-6 concentration in your household or well water. To determine your home's specific level, an individual laboratory test is necessary.

2. The Purpose and Scope of the UCMR3 Monitoring in Your Area

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) was designed to collect broad data on substances like chromium-6 that lack federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Conducted from 2013 to 2015, this study measured presence but did not establish compliance or safety for any one household. It serves to inform future regulations but does not provide direct guidance on individual water quality or health risk.

3. Differentiating Secondary Aesthetic Standards from Health-Based Limits for Chromium-6

Chromium-6 does not have a federal health-based MCL. Instead, total chromium has an MCL of 100 µg/L, much higher than detected chromium-6 levels here. Secondary standards focus on taste, staining, or corrosion effects and are not health thresholds. This distinction is important when deciding if treatment for chromium-6 or total chromium is necessary based on your water's characteristics.

4. Interpreting Certified Laboratory Tests for Chromium-6 in Your Water

A certified lab’s report on chromium-6 will typically state detected concentrations in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). Since individual water chemistry varies, understanding these results requires knowing the test methods used and comparing your report to regional data. Such a test clarifies whether chromium(VI) levels in your home exceed typical regional detections and informs treatment decisions.

5. How Chromium's Oxidation States May Change from Source to Tap

Chromium can exist in multiple states, primarily chromium(III) and chromium(VI). Conditions in wells, water mains, and home plumbing affect the oxidation state balance. Chromium(VI), the hexavalent form, is more mobile and soluble, while chromium(III) tends to bind to sediments. Changes during treatment or water transit can alter which form is present at the tap, influencing treatment needs.

6. Influence of Plumbing Materials and Age Beyond Source Water Quality

Plumbing components themselves impact chromium levels. Older pipes or certain materials may release metals or alter water chemistry, independently of source water chromium-6. Understanding your home's plumbing helps distinguish source water quality from in-home influences on chromium concentrations.

Summary: The Bolling Water System's federal monitoring shows chromium-6 detected across multiple samples between 0.03 and 0.091 µg/L, with no recorded health-based violations. This system-wide data offers a broad context but does not establish specific conditions in any one residence. For a precise understanding, homeowners should consider certified laboratory testing focused on chromium(VI). If levels or concerns justify treatment, the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and can be selected to address chromium-6 effectively. For complete data and updates, consult the EPA's public water system records for the Bolling Water System.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-05-19. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Bolling Water System - Jt. Base Anacostia-Bolling (DC0000007), DC: 16 results across 2 listed contaminants, 8 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L