What the Measured Range Means and Does Not Mean
Detection Levels in Area 06 Public Water System
The Mescalero Apache Tribe / Inn of the Moun public water system in Area 06 recorded Chromium-6 levels from four sampling events between June and December 2013. All four detections were above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with the highest at 0.145 µg/L and a median of 0.124 µg/L.
Comparison to Federal Standards
Currently, there is no federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) specifically for Chromium-6. Total chromium has an MCL of 100 µg/L, and these results are well below that threshold. Therefore, detections do not indicate regulatory violations or unsafe water under federal standards.
What Detection Does Not Imply
These detections are measurements, not attestations of specific household water quality. Detection alone is not a health violation, nor does it indicate contamination. A household must conduct its own water test to determine personal water quality.
How the Documented Treatment Technology Addresses Chromium-6
Function of the Pentek Chromium-6 Filter
The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter uses a filtration system designed to reduce Chromium-6 concentration by removing or neutralizing this constituent in water. It ships ready to configure for residential use.
Comparing Treatment Approaches
When weighing treatment options for Chromium-6, this filter technology targets the specific chemistry of Chromium-6, differentiating it from generic filtration methods. It is a direct approach adapted to address Chromium-6, unlike broad-spectrum filters not specialized for this constituent.
Difference Between Public System Records and Private Well Testing
Scope of Public Water System Records
Data from the public water system represent collective measurements for the entire served area, not individual household water quality. These records provide a regional summary, essential for understanding common water characteristics.
Private Well Water Testing
Private well owners must arrange testing on their specific source to know household water characteristics. Well water can differ significantly from public system data due to local geology and well construction.
Distinguishing Chromium-6 from Commonly Confused Issues
Chromium-6 vs. Total Chromium
Chromium-6 is one form of chromium with distinct chemical properties. Total chromium includes Chromium-6 plus other forms. Treatment and health considerations differ between the two.
Chromium-6 vs. Aesthetic Water Concerns
Chromium-6 is unrelated to aesthetic secondary standards such as taste, odor, or staining, which are governed by other constituents and limits.
Considerations for Large Households, Second Homes, or Seasonal Properties
Water Usage Impact
Higher water demand or irregular use patterns may influence the choice and capacity of treatment options addressing Chromium-6.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Seasonal properties may require adjustments in treatment frequency and testing to maintain effectiveness over periods of inactivity or variable use.
Choosing between treatment technologies involves understanding measured regional data and how specialized equipment like the Pentek Chromium-6 Filter can meet specific household demand. This filter is designed to address documented Chromium-6 levels found in Area 06 public water, providing a tailored solution for residential water quality concerns.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-12-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Mescalero Apache Tribe / Inn of the Moun (063506008), 06: 8 results across 2 listed contaminants, 7 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L