Local Water System Overview
The Pettis/Johnson/Saline Public Water Supply District #1 provides surface water to about 1,000 people across 446 connections in Saline, Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties in Missouri. This system draws water from surface sources and distributes it to homes and businesses in the area.
Federal monitoring under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) between January and October 2014 measured chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) and total chromium, providing valuable occurrence data though not conducting compliance testing.
Geogenic Versus Industrial Chromium-6 Sources
Natural versus Industrial Origins
Chromium-6 found in water can originate from natural geogenic sources, such as alkaline or arid aquifers where chromium occurs naturally in specific oxidation states. Alternatively, chromium-6 may also come from industrial activities like metal plating and chemical manufacturing. In this region, chromium-6 presence is documented but its source requires specific investigation beyond the public system data.
Local System Findings
EPA data for the Pettis/Johnson/Saline PWSD #1 system reports 15 detections of chromium-6 above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L) among 32 results. The highest measured chromium-6 was 0.94 µg/L, with a median of detected values at 0.045 µg/L. Total chromium detection was noted 6 times above 0.2 µg/L, with a highest value of 0.96 µg/L.
Maintenance Rhythm for the C-Series Chromium-6 Filter
Simple Routine Needs
The C-Series Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure for whole-house water treatment addressing chromium-6 concerns. Regular replacement of filter media and monitoring of system function are recommended to maintain effectiveness, commonly aligning with a set schedule depending on water usage and quality.
Monitoring Indicator
Users should watch for changes in water taste, color, or clarity, although chromium-6 presence at levels reported here typically does not affect these. Periodic re-testing of water after treatment confirms ongoing performance.
Comparing This Area's Record With Neighbouring Counties
Data Context Matters
Comparisons should note that public water systems may vary in source water, treatment practices, and sampling schedules. Neighbouring counties might have different chromium-6 detection patterns depending on their own supply and local geology or industrial activity.
Do Not Generalize to Individual Homes
System-level data reflects averages and occurrences across many taps but does not specify conditions for any single home or well. Specific testing is necessary for a household's actual water quality.
Certified Laboratory Testing and Result Interpretation
What a Lab Test Reports
Certified laboratory tests measure chromium-6 concentrations in micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to parts per billion (ppb). A detection above a laboratory’s reporting limit indicates the presence of chromium(VI), although it does not imply a violation of any regulation.
Understanding the Figures
The EPA currently has no maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chromium-6. The total chromium MCL is 100 µg/L, far above values reported here. Detected chromium-6 values in this system are below any enforceable health-based limits.
Changes in Chromium Oxidation State in Water Distribution
Oxidation State Variability
Chromium may exist in water in different oxidation states that can transform during transit from source to tap due to chemical and microbial activity. Chromium(VI) is more mobile and toxic than chromium(III), but local water chemistry influences these changes.
Implications for Treatment
Treatment technologies like the C-Series system are designed to address chromium-6 specifically, ensuring that chromium(VI) concentrations are reduced effectively before water reaches household taps.
Summary of System Record and Next Steps
The Pettis/Johnson/Saline PWSD #1 EPA public water system record documents detections of chromium-6 in surface water serving several Missouri counties, with no exceedance of federal MCLs. This data helps frame concerns but does not substitute for household water testing.
For homes seeking to address chromium-6 presence, independent laboratory testing is recommended to determine individual water quality. WaterSoftenerPlus offers the C-Series Chromium-6 Filter, which ships ready to configure, providing a documented approach to managing hexavalent chromium in residential water supplies.
For further information and source data, consult the EPA UCMR3 occurrence database at epa.gov/dwucmr.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-10-07. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Pettis/Johnson/Saline PWSD #1 (MO3021332), MO: 64 results across 2 listed contaminants, 21 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L