Deciding How to Address Chromium-6 This Week
If you live in El Paso County and are concerned about chromium-6 in your water, the decision now is how to determine your home's chromium(VI) level and consider treatment options that fit your situation.
How Chromium-6 Changes from Source to Tap in El Paso County
Chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI), is a chemical form of chromium that can exist in water supplies. In the Widefield Water and Sanitation District system, which provides surface water to over 27,000 people through more than 10,000 service connections, chromium-6 was detected frequently in federal monitoring between 2013 and 2015.
During the transport of water from the source through the distribution mains to household taps, chromium-6 may undergo changes depending on water chemistry, such as oxidation-reduction conditions. Environmental factors and pipe materials can influence hexavalent chromium’s speciation, potentially affecting its concentration at the tap compared to the source or distribution main.
Ion Exchange vs Reverse Osmosis for Chromium(VI) in Home Water
When considering treatment technologies for chromium-6, two common methods differ in their approach to this specific contaminant. Ion exchange targets chromium(VI) ions by exchanging them with less problematic ions, effectively reducing chromium-6 levels in treated water. Reverse osmosis uses a membrane to filter out dissolved chromium and other contaminants from water.
Ion exchange systems can be more effective specifically for chromium-6 because they are designed to capture the hexavalent chromium ions, while reverse osmosis removes a broader range of dissolved solids including chromium species but may require more water and produce wastewater.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Chromium-6 Levels
Widefield WSD’s chromium-6 monitoring occurred from November 2013 through August 2014 and showed 36 detections above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter, with a highest recorded concentration of 0.62 micrograms per liter and a median of 0.15 micrograms per liter among those detections.
These figures reflect that chromium-6 presence varies over time, influenced by factors like source water quality changes, treatment adjustments, and environmental conditions. The monitoring period is only a snapshot, so ongoing variation can be expected in chromium-6 levels within the system.
Considerations for Large Households, Second Homes, and Seasonal Properties
The volume and timing of water use in a household can influence chromium-6 exposure. Large households with higher water consumption may process more treated water and thus interact with chromium-6 levels differently than a seasonal property used intermittently. Second homes not in continuous use may experience different water chemistry due to stagnation or flushing cycles.
Understanding your household’s water use pattern can guide the choice of treatment technology and maintenance scheduling, ensuring chromium(VI) levels in tap water meet your expectations.
Sources of Chromium-6 in El Paso County Water Systems
Chromium-6 enters the Widefield WSD system primarily through surface water sources, originating from natural soil and rock leaching and potential industrial or urban runoff. Its presence depends on environmental conditions and watershed inputs. The federal monitoring data documents chromium-6 occurrences but does not establish a violation or unsafe condition.
Next Steps: Testing and Confirmation
The only way to know the chromium-6 concentration in your specific household water supply is to have your water tested by a certified laboratory that distinguishes chromium(VI) from other chromium species.
A confirmed result above the detection limit but within the range reported here suggests applying a targeted chromium-6 treatment such as the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter, which ships ready to configure for home use. This filter employs ion exchange technology tailored to reduce hexavalent chromium levels effectively in residential water.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-08-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Widefield WSD (CO0121900), CO: 98 results across 2 listed contaminants, 58 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.