Routine Sampling Reports Chromium-6 Presence in Local Groundwater Supply
The public water system serving Avon, Farmington, and Simsbury in Hartford County, CT, uses groundwater sources and has documented chromium-6 detections in all samples tested during UCMR3 monitoring between 2013 and 2015. None of the measurements triggered health-based violations according to EPA records.
Trivalent Versus Hexavalent Chromium: Interpreting Total Chromium Results
Chromium is found in multiple forms, primarily trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), each with different chemical behaviors. Total chromium measurements combine both forms, so knowing the total concentration alone does not specify the level of chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium. For households concerned about chromium-6, it is essential to request specific tests for chromium(VI) rather than relying solely on total chromium data.
Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis: Mechanisms for Targeting Chromium(VI)
When addressing chromium-6 in water, ion exchange and reverse osmosis technologies operate distinctly. Ion exchange typically uses resin beads that capture chromium ions, selectively removing hexavalent chromium from water. Reverse osmosis forces water through a membrane barrier, physically filtering out chromium(VI) and other dissolved solids. The documented Pentair Chromium-6 Filter employs ion exchange methods designed to reduce chromium-6 concentrations effectively.
Distinguishing Chromium-6 from Other Water Quality Issues
Chromium(VI) is sometimes confused with other common well water concerns such as iron or manganese; however, each has different sources and impacts. Chromium-6 is a dissolved chemical form, unlike particulate minerals or microbial contaminants. Households should order targeted tests to confirm chromium-6 levels rather than relying on tests for unrelated parameters, as treatment approaches vary accordingly.
Variations Due to Water Source Depth and Sampling Strategy
Sampling results from the Avon Water Co. system reflect groundwater sources and represent composite area water quality rather than individual household taps. Depth of well and sample collection points can influence detected chromium-6 concentrations because of geologic conditions and water chemistry changes with depth. Individual homes may observe different levels and should consider direct water testing to understand their specific situation.
How the Pentair Chromium-6 Filter Addresses Hexavalent Chromium
The Pentair Chromium-6 Filter is designed to be shipped ready to configure and uses ion exchange technology to target chromium(VI). By exchanging chromium-6 ions in water with less problematic ions on resin beads, it helps lower hexavalent chromium concentrations in household water supply. This approach can be an effective tool for households seeking to manage chromium-6 presence in their water.
Understanding 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in the Sampling Data
The term "detected" in government sampling means that chromium-6 was measured above a minimum reporting level, not that a legal or health threshold was surpassed. In the Avon Water Co. record, all 32 samples showed detections above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), with the highest measured at 1.0 µg/L and a median detected concentration around 0.405 µg/L. These values indicate variability in chromium-6 presence but do not imply a violation or unsafe condition under federal standards. The total chromium federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) is 100 µg/L, far above the recorded levels.
The sampling reviewed covers the public water system's groundwater sources and is not a test of any individual residence's water quality. For an accurate understanding of household water chromium-6 levels, a specific water test at the tap is necessary.
For detailed official information, this data is sourced from the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) records, publicly available through the EPA website.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-02-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Avon Water Co. (CT0040011), CT: 64 results across 2 listed contaminants, 63 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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