How Chromium(VI) Changes from Source to Tap in El Paso County
Hexavalent chromium, also called chromium-6 or Cr(VI), can shift in concentration due to oxidation state changes between the water supply source, the municipal distribution system, and household plumbing. El Paso County’s public water system, Colorado Springs Utilities, sources water from surface supplies where Cr(VI) may be detected at low levels. Along the distribution mains and within home plumbing, chromium’s oxidation state and concentration can vary because of chemical interactions and water treatment effects that do not necessarily increase chromium-6 levels.
What the UCMR3 Survey Meant for Chromium-6 Measurement and Household Relevance
The EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) conducted from 2013 to 2015 sampled large public water systems nationwide, including Colorado Springs Utilities serving El Paso County. Its goal was to identify occurrences of contaminants like chromium-6 without setting enforceable limits. For this system, 36 samples found chromium-6 detected twice, with maximum values at 0.041 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or parts per billion (ppb). These detections are measurements, not regulatory violations, and do not describe individual household water quality, which can vary.
Assessing Treatment Capacity Relative to Household Water Use
Choosing appropriate chromium-6 treatment depends on daily water consumption patterns. Single-family homes in El Paso County typically use tens to hundreds of gallons per day. Treatment capacity should align with peak household flow rates to maintain effective chromium(VI) management without system overload. Accurate testing of household water for chromium-6 concentration is necessary to size and select the right technology.
Ion Exchange Versus Reverse Osmosis for Chromium-6 Control
Ion exchange and reverse osmosis are two common treatment approaches for controlling chromium-6 in residential water. Ion exchange works by exchanging chromium(VI) ions with other ions on a resin medium, effectively reducing chromium-6 levels at point of use. Reverse osmosis employs a semipermeable membrane that filters out chromium(VI) along with other dissolved solids, providing broader water purification. Each method differs in operation, maintenance needs, and water waste volume, factors important for household decision-making.
Comparing Chromium-6 Data Within El Paso County and Nearby Counties
While El Paso County’s public water system shows very low chromium-6 detections, nearby counties may have different records based on source water and local geology. It is important not to generalize data from one county to another or to predict individual well water quality from public system data. Use data to understand regional trends but rely on specific testing for your household water composition.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations in Chromium-6 Levels
The chromium-6 data from the 2013-2015 UCMR3 survey represent a snapshot in time; shorter or longer-term studies may reveal seasonal or year-to-year fluctuations due to changes in source water conditions or treatment processes. Customers should consider periodic testing since chromium(VI) levels can vary, though the public water system’s records show no health-based exceedances.
In summary, the UCMR3 monitoring of Colorado Springs Utilities, which serves El Paso County with surface water, found occasional low-level chromium-6 detections without any health-based violations. Individual household water conditions require specific testing to determine chromium-6 presence and concentration. The C-Series Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and can be selected based on your household’s daily water demand to address chromium(VI) concerns effectively. For detailed data and official records, consult the EPA’s public water system data for Colorado Springs Utilities.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-05-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Colorado Springs Utilities (CO0121150), CO: 72 results across 2 listed contaminants, 2 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L