Federal Monitoring Results for Chromium-6 in Arapahoe County
Government water sampling in the East Cherry Creek Valley Water System found chromium-6 in some water samples.
The highest detected chromium-6 level was 0.054 micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to 0.054 parts per billion (ppb).
Chromium-6 was detected above the reporting level (0.03 µg/L) in 14 out of 36 samples collected during 2013-2015.
These findings indicate the presence of hexavalent chromium but do not indicate any violation or health-based exceedance for this system.
No health-based violations have been documented for chromium or chromium-6 in this public water system.
Trivalent vs. Hexavalent Chromium: Why Total Chromium Data Is Insufficient
Total chromium levels include both chromium-3 (trivalent) and chromium-6 (hexavalent) forms.
Trivalent chromium is an essential nutrient at low levels, unlike hexavalent chromium, which is the focus of concern.
East Cherry Creek Valley data separately show lower total chromium detections, with a maximum of 0.34 µg/L, less directly related to chromium-6 quantities.
Measuring total chromium alone cannot determine the concentration or presence of chromium-6 in your household water.
Separate testing specifically for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is needed to understand that constituent’s concentration.
Purpose and Limits of the UCMR3 Monitoring Survey
The nationwide Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) sampling aimed to assess contaminant occurrence trends for public water systems.
The results reported are systemic averages or snapshot measurements, not individual household water tests.
Data indicate detection frequency and concentration ranges but do not reflect variation at individual taps or wellheads.
The survey is not a compliance test and thus does not imply health compliance nor guarantee safety for every connection.
To know the chromium-6 level in your specific home, you must order a targeted laboratory analysis of your tap water.
Fixtures and Processes That May Show Chromium-6 Effects First
Chromium-6 presence impacts water quality primarily in water consumed or prepared for drinking.
Water-using appliances like ice makers, coffee brewers, or drinking fountains may be points of concern for chromium-6 water quality.
Chromium-6 does not typically affect visible water characteristics, so detection is not obvious from taste or appearance.
Filtration or treatment configured with Pentair chromium-6 technology directly targets hexavalent chromium molecules before water reaches household outlets.
Long-Term Implications of Leaving Hexavalent Chromium Unaddressed
The presence of chromium-6 in water at these low levels, as reported for Arapahoe County, has not triggered any health-based violations or official safety limits.
Because there is currently no federal MCL specifically for chromium-6, ongoing monitoring is important to track trends.
Households concerned about chromium-6 can consider filtration technology designed to reduce chromium-6 concentrations effectively.
Regularly testing household water ensures timely awareness of any changes in chromium-6 levels.
How to Prioritize Testing and Investigation
Begin by reviewing the East Cherry Creek Valley Water System’s monitoring data as background context for your area.
The next step is to test your household tap water for chromium-6 with a certified laboratory specializing in hexavalent chromium analysis.
Testing drinking water fixtures directly gives the most relevant information for residential decision making.
Consider evaluating whether any water treatment already in use affects chromium-6 levels.
Once results are obtained, a Pentair chromium-6 filter can be considered to address detected concentrations if desired.
Recommended Final Action: Order a Hexavalent Chromium Test
The single most informative step to understand your household’s chromium-6 status is a specific laboratory test for chromium-6 in your tap water.
A test result showing a concentration below 0.03 µg/L would align with the lowest detection limits in the area’s system sampling.
Results above that level allow you to decide if further action, including configuring a Pentair chromium-6 filter, may be appropriate for your household water quality.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-11-24. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for East Cherry Creek Valley WSD (CO0103035), CO: 72 results across 2 listed contaminants, 24 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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