Understanding the UCMR3 Survey's Household-Level Limits for Chromium-6

The survey measured chromium-6 in the Parish Water Company system, Louisiana, during 2013-2015.

48 samples analyzed; 1 detection above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L) reporting level at 0.039 µg/L (parts per billion).

No chromium-6 concentration was found above any federal health-based limit, as none currently exists.

Detections reflect measurements in the public system, not individual household plumbing or wells.

Changes in Chromium Oxidation State from Source to Tap

Chromium can exist as total chromium or hexavalent chromium (chromium-6); these forms have different chemical properties.

Oxidation state changes may occur between the source water, distribution mains, and household taps, affecting chromium speciation.

Government sampling focuses on hexavalent chromium given its distinct regulatory and health considerations.

Effects on Treated Water When Using Documented Technology

Once equipment like the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure, it aims to address hexavalent chromium present in water.

The technology targets chromium(VI) for reduction to levels below detection or reporting thresholds.

Households considering treatment approaches should weigh technical features and operational aspects of available direct-purchase options.

Reading a Certified Laboratory Test Report for Chromium-6

Test results report chromium-6 concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb).

Values below 0.03 µg/L may be reported as not detected; detections above this are measured values, not violations.

Interpret test data relative to federal standards where applicable; note no federal maximum contaminant level for chromium-6 currently exists.

Household Water Quality Symptoms Related to Chromium-6

Chromium-6 presence does not cause aesthetic effects like taste or staining at measured levels in the Parish Water system.

No health-based violation is recorded for this water source, so symptoms unrelated to chromium-6 should be investigated separately.

Unexplained water issues warrant professional laboratory analysis to determine specific causes.

Stepwise Investigation: From Simple Checks to Laboratory Analysis

Initial steps include reviewing local water system quality reports and observing physical water characteristics.

Follow with laboratory testing specifically for hexavalent chromium and total chromium to confirm household water concentrations.

Consider technical equipment options only after assessing actual water quality and constituent levels.

Closing: What Area Sampling Data Does Not Establish About Your Water

Area-sourced data from Parish Water Company, Louisiana, provide information about public water quality at the system level, not individual household water conditions.

The detection of chromium-6 at 0.039 µg/L in one sample out of 48 does not indicate a health violation or unsafe water under federal standards.

Individual households should obtain certified laboratory testing of their own water to determine if chromium(VI) is present at levels requiring treatment.

Considering equipment like the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter is appropriate only when water analysis shows the need.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-11-09. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Parish Water Company (LA1033019), LA: 96 results across 2 listed contaminants, 1 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L