This week, your primary task is deciding between technology types for controlling chromium-6 in household water in Frederick County, MD.
Chromium Oxidation States from Source to Tap
Chromium-6 primarily originates as hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in surface water used by Frederick's system.
Changes in oxidation can occur during treatment and distribution, affecting chromium forms present at the tap.
Household plumbing typically receives chromium in varying forms but federal data focuses on Cr(VI) detected at the system level.
Understanding the UCMR3 Survey and Its Application
The 2013-2015 UCMR3 federal survey monitored chromium-6 levels in the City of Frederick public water system, serving around 54,000 people.
This survey sampled chromium-6 in system water sources and treatment points, not individual household taps.
Results indicate 15 out of 28 samples detected chromium-6 above 0.03 µg/L (parts per billion), up to 0.5 µg/L, but no federal maximum contaminant level exists for chromium-6.
Fixtures and Appliances Sensitive to Chromium-6 Presence
Water-using appliances and fixtures may experience effects related to chromium compounds, particularly those exposed to untreated surface water.
Devices relying on clear, corrosion-free water could be impacted earliest by chromium species influencing water chemistry.
Kitchen and bathroom taps are primary points of water use where presence matters for household water quality perception.
Interpreting 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in Chromium-6 Results
'Detected' means chromium-6 was measured above the reporting level, not that levels are unsafe or exceed a health limit.
The median detection value for chromium-6 in the Frederick system was 0.077 µg/L, reflecting half the detections above and half below this concentration.
The range from 0.03 µg/L to 0.5 µg/L shows variability in chromium-6 levels, typical for surface-water-derived supplies.
How Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis Address Chromium(VI)
Ion exchange equipment exchanges chromium ions in water for less problematic ions, effectively targeting chromium-6 in many cases.
Reverse osmosis units use membrane filtration to physically separate chromium-6 from water, offering comprehensive reduction potential.
Choice depends on household demand, maintenance preferences, and specific water chemistry considerations documented locally.
Measured Chromium-6 Levels Versus Federal Standards
No federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists specifically for hexavalent chromium, but total chromium’s MCL is 100 µg/L, far above local detections.
The UCMR3 results for Frederick’s system show chromium-6 levels well below any enforceable federal threshold and no health-based violations recorded for chromium-6.
Detection indicates presence, not a violation or health risk; individual household testing is necessary to confirm tap water levels.
'Detected' means chromium-6 was measured above the reporting level, not that levels are unsafe or exceed a health limit.
The median detection value for chromium-6 in the Frederick system was 0.077 µg/L, reflecting half the detections above and half below this concentration.
The range from 0.03 µg/L to 0.5 µg/L shows variability in chromium-6 levels, typical for surface-water-derived supplies.
How Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis Address Chromium(VI)
Ion exchange equipment exchanges chromium ions in water for less problematic ions, effectively targeting chromium-6 in many cases.
Reverse osmosis units use membrane filtration to physically separate chromium-6 from water, offering comprehensive reduction potential.
Choice depends on household demand, maintenance preferences, and specific water chemistry considerations documented locally.
Measured Chromium-6 Levels Versus Federal Standards
No federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists specifically for hexavalent chromium, but total chromium’s MCL is 100 µg/L, far above local detections.
The UCMR3 results for Frederick’s system show chromium-6 levels well below any enforceable federal threshold and no health-based violations recorded for chromium-6.
Detection indicates presence, not a violation or health risk; individual household testing is necessary to confirm tap water levels.
No federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists specifically for hexavalent chromium, but total chromium’s MCL is 100 µg/L, far above local detections.
The UCMR3 results for Frederick’s system show chromium-6 levels well below any enforceable federal threshold and no health-based violations recorded for chromium-6.
Detection indicates presence, not a violation or health risk; individual household testing is necessary to confirm tap water levels.
This summary pertains solely to the City of Frederick's public water system, serving about 54,000 people through surface water source. The EPA’s UCMR3 data offers a valuable overview but cannot specify conditions at any individual residence. More details can be found through the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and uses ion exchange technology certified for hexavalent chromium control, providing a documented option for residential consideration.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-09. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for City of Frederick (MD0100015), MD: 56 results across 2 listed contaminants, 32 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L