If you think your water’s chromium-6 level matches these regional measurements
It’s common to assume that government monitoring data for chromium-6 directly reflect your home’s water concentration. The U.S. EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) results for Widefield Water and Sanitation District, servicing El Paso County, show chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)) detected in many samples with highest values near 0.62 micrograms per litre (µg/L or ppb). However, these data describe the public water system’s overall source and distribution conditions, not the water inside a particular residence. Factors like household plumbing and point-of-use equipment affect your specific water quality, so a dedicated test of water from your tap is necessary to know your actual chromium-6 level.
If you want to understand geogenic versus industrial chromium-6 sources
Chromium-6 presence in water can stem from different origins. In arid and alkaline regions like El Paso County, naturally occurring hexavalent chromium can dissolve from soil and rock formations, a geogenic source. Conversely, industrial plating or manufacturing processes can contribute chromium-6 contamination nearby, though this is less typical for Widefield WSD’s surface water supply. Recognizing the source type helps gauge potential fluctuations and treatment needs. Public data represent an aggregate from the region’s surface waters, not an industrial pollution spot sample.
If you rely on total chromium results to make treatment decisions
Total chromium measurements reported for Widefield WSD show lower detection frequencies and levels than chromium-6 tests. Since total chromium sums all chromium forms (tri- and hexavalent), it doesn’t clarify the fraction that is chromium-6. Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) behaves differently chemically and biologically, often considered less mobile and less toxic. Knowing only total chromium does not answer the question of chromium-6 presence or concentration, which is critical for selecting an effective treatment approach.
If you notice variation over time in chromium-6 monitoring results
The EPA’s sampling for this water system occurred mainly between November 2013 and August 2014. Within the 49 chromium-6 samples, 36 showed detections above the reporting level of 0.03 µg/L, with values ranging from near the detection limit up to 0.62 µg/L. This range and timing reflect natural and operational variability; chromium-6 concentrations can change seasonally or over multiple years. Long-term monitoring or periodic home water testing is advisable to track any trends affecting your household water.
If your water use situation differs from a typical single household
Large households, second homes, or seasonal properties in El Paso County should consider that water quality might change with usage patterns. Stagnation during periods of low occupancy can influence chromium-6 and related chemistry in plumbing. Testing water when the property is in regular use provides the most relevant snapshot. Also, treatment needs may differ based on usage volume and frequency. The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure for a variety of residential scenarios, accommodating different household sizes or seasonal use.
If you wonder about the meaning of aesthetic secondary standards for chromium
The EPA has a total chromium maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 100 µg/L, which is a health-based enforceable standard. Chromium-6 does not have a federal MCL specifically. Some aesthetic secondary standards exist to guide taste, staining, or corrosivity concerns but serve a different purpose than health-based limits. These secondary standards do not imply safety issues if exceeded. It is important to separate aesthetic considerations from health-based monitoring results when evaluating treatment options.
If you consider California’s chromium-6 regulation and its relevance to El Paso County
California established a maximum contaminant level for chromium-6 at 10 µg/L, motivated by state-specific risk assessments. This limit is more stringent than federal monitoring thresholds and provides a benchmark for some consumers concerned about chromium-6. However, Widefield WSD’s recorded chromium-6 levels are well below this California limit. Understanding why California’s regulation differs helps contextualize water quality data for El Paso County but does not imply a violation or health-based exceedance at the local level.
Conclusion
The Widefield Water and Sanitation District’s public water system record provides measured chromium-6 data for El Paso County that describe the general water quality delivered by the surface water supply. These findings do not translate directly into the water at any one household tap. Home-specific testing is necessary to determine actual chromium-6 concentrations. When residential equipment has failed or existing water treatment is insufficient, the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter offers an engineered solution that ships ready to configure for various household needs.
For more detailed information about the public water system’s chromium-6 testing and water quality, refer to the EPA’s SDWIS public water system record for Widefield WSD (CO0121900).
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.