Intent and Scope of the UCMR3 Survey in Washington County
The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) represents a federal effort conducted from 2013 to 2015 to assess the presence of certain contaminants including hexavalent chromium—known as chromium-6, chromium(VI), or Cr(VI)—in public water systems nationwide. For the Washington County Service Authority serving about 47,574 people, this survey aimed to provide occurrence data on chromium-6 detected in surface water sources before treatment and distribution.
It is important to understand that these results do not indicate conditions at any specific residence’s tap; rather, they reflect measurements at the public water system level. Individual testing is necessary to determine chromium-6 levels in household water.
How Washington County's Chromium-6 Records Compare with Nearby Areas
The EPA’s public water system record for Washington County shows chromium-6 was detected in all 28 samples collected from 2013 to 2014, with values ranging from 0.03 to 0.265 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or parts per billion (ppb). While no federal maximum contaminant level applies to chromium-6 specifically, the total chromium MCL is 100 µg/L, much higher than detected values here.
Nearby counties may report different occurrence levels due to variations in source water type, local geology, and water treatment processes. Directly comparing readings between counties can highlight regional differences in chromium-6 presence but requires caution to avoid extrapolating public system data to individual wells or households.
Why Total Chromium Results Are Not a Proxy for Chromium(VI) Levels
Total chromium measurements include all chromium forms, such as trivalent chromium (chromium-3) and chromium-6. Washington County’s record shows total chromium detections generally higher than chromium-6, with the highest total chromium measured at 0.431 µg/L.
Since trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium differ significantly in chemical behavior and potential health effects, total chromium data alone cannot accurately indicate chromium-6 concentrations. Specific chromium-6 testing is required to understand hexavalent chromium presence in any water supply.
Effect of Water Source and Sampling Depth on Chromium-6 Expectations
Washington County utilizes surface water sources, which generally fluctuate more with environmental conditions compared to groundwater or well water. Sampling depth and the exact source location impact chromium-6 levels detected by the public system but may not mirror the concentrations present at household taps, especially if private wells draw from different aquifers or depths.
Households relying on private wells should seek comprehensive testing tailored to their specific well features to obtain accurate chromium-6 data.
Additional Considerations for Operators Beyond Household Use
Commercial and industrial water users may face different water quality needs and regulatory requirements regarding hexavalent chromium. For instance, certain industrial processes or product manufacturing may require stricter water quality controls or specific chromium-6 thresholds.
These operators should focus on detailed water analysis and management strategies aligned with regulatory guidance applicable to their sector, complementing residential water quality considerations.
Addressing Chromium-6 in Household Water
For homeowners in Washington County seeking to manage chromium-6 levels based on their own testing results, the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and provides a documented method to treat chromium(VI) in residential water. Understanding the demand figure identified through testing can guide appropriate equipment selection to reduce hexavalent chromium concentrations effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-05-28. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Washington County Service Authority (VA1191883), VA: 56 results across 2 listed contaminants, 43 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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