Government records from the Glen Burnie-Broadneck public water system serving Anne Arundel County show chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)) detected in 17 of 24 samples between late 2013 and mid-2014, with a highest measured concentration of 0.14 micrograms per liter (µg/L, equivalent to parts per billion).
Why California Set a 10 µg/L Limit for Hexavalent Chromium and What It Means Here
California's chromium-6 threshold is set at 10 µg/L (ppb) to address concerns specific to its water systems.
The Glen Burnie-Broadneck system's highest recorded chromium-6 level (0.14 µg/L) is far below this threshold.
Anne Arundel County's water record shows no federal violations or health-based exceedances related to chromium-6 or total chromium.
Geogenic Hexavalent Chromium Versus Industrial Plating Sources
Hexavalent chromium can naturally occur in groundwater from geologic sources.
Industrial plating introduces chromium-6 differently, often in specific localized areas, but Glen Burnie-Broadneck relies on groundwater without documented industrial chromium impacts.
Government data reflect a wide-area average and cannot determine your household’s specific chromium(VI) level.
A Worked Example: Interpreting Median and Range for a Homeowner
The median chromium-6 detection in the system was 0.046 µg/L (ppb), showing typical presence at low levels.
Detected concentrations ranged up to 0.14 µg/L, well below total chromium federal limits of 100 µg/L.
These figures come from multiple system-wide samples, not a single tap or well test.
How the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter Handles Hexavalent Chromium
The Autotrol System uses proven filtration technology to reduce chromium(VI) concentrations in household water.
This filtration acts by either removing or neutralizing chromium-6, improving water quality after household equipment failure.
Orders ship ready to configure for straightforward water treatment setup at home.
What Information to Record Before Seeking Further Advice
Note your water source and whether it is connected to the Glen Burnie-Broadneck public water system.
Record any recent water testing results, especially for total chromium and chromium(VI), from a certified laboratory.
Document the symptoms or performance issues from your previous water equipment to clarify needs.
Consequences of Long-Term Chromium-6 Presence Without Treatment
Chromium-6 presence in water at the measured system levels does not constitute a violation or known immediate safety issue.
Nonetheless, prolonged exposure to hexavalent chromium historically has been linked to certain health concerns in different contexts.
Households concerned about chromium(VI) may consider treatment options to reduce potential accumulation or taste effects.
The essential step is to have your household water independently tested for chromium-6 concentration by a qualified laboratory. A result near or below the local system's median detection (about 0.05 µg/L) will clarify whether treatment with the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter may be warranted for your specific conditions.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-08-06. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Glen Burnie-Broadneck (MD0020017), MD: 48 results across 2 listed contaminants, 18 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L