Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter

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Local Water Supply Overview

The Fayetteville water system, managed by Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities #1, serves over 23,800 residents with surface water. This surface supply is treated and distributed through more than 9,700 connections, reaching household taps throughout the area.

Federal monitoring from 2013 to 2015 recorded the presence of chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) in the system’s water, but no health-based violations were noted. Understanding these findings requires attention to how chromium behaves from source to tap and its measurement context.

Oxidation State Changes from Source to Tap

Chromium-6 may transform chemically after leaving the water source

Chromium in water exists mainly in two oxidation states: trivalent chromium (chromium III) and hexavalent chromium (chromium VI). The Fayetteville water system’s surface water source may contain chromium(VI); however, its concentration can shift due to natural chemical processes during treatment and distribution.

Treatment and distribution can affect chromium species

Oxidation and pH changes can convert chromium between forms, influencing how much hexavalent chromium reaches taps. Monitoring data reflect samples from the system but do not track these shifts specifically at individual household taps.

Sources of Hexavalent Chromium in Water

Geologic versus industrial origins

Hexavalent chromium may arise naturally in water from geogenic sources—typically in arid and alkaline aquifers. Fayetteville’s surface water is less likely influenced by such geological factors but can be affected by urban or industrial activities, including runoff or surface contamination.

Local monitoring reflects surface water influences

The detected chromium-6 in the Fayetteville system’s surface source may originate from typical environmental inputs rather than specific industrial discharge, based on the EPA monitoring data and system classification.

Long-Term Effects Without Addressing Hexavalent Chromium

Accumulated exposure considerations

Continuous consumption of water with hexavalent chromium at any detectable level should prompt awareness but not immediate alarm. Without treatment, households may experience chromium presence persistently, which some research links to health considerations requiring personal water analysis.

Appearance and taste changes are possible but not assured

Hexavalent chromium may affect water taste or clarity at elevated concentrations; however, Fayetteville’s recorded levels fall far below total chromium regulatory thresholds, minimizing typical aesthetic concerns.

Sampling Scope and Data Interpretation

Data derived from 32 system-wide samples between 2013 and 2015

All 32 samples detected chromium-6 above EPA’s reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (ppb), with highest measured values at 0.85 ppb and a median of 0.1 ppb. These figures represent the public water system rather than specific home water quality.

Detecting hexavalent chromium does not indicate a violation

Federal regulations set no maximum contaminant level for chromium-6, and total chromium concentrations remain well below the 100 ppb limit, reflecting regulatory compliance and no health-based violations.

Information to Collect Before Seeking Chromium(VI) Treatment

Test your own water to determine exact chromium-6 levels

Because public water system data do not translate directly to individual household exposure, obtaining specialized laboratory testing for hexavalent chromium in your home water is essential for tailored decisions.

Note your water source and any local water quality advisories

Understand if your supply is surface or well water and check for any local updates or public notices that may affect chromium levels or other water quality issues.

Consider other water quality parameters

Recording measures like pH, total chromium, and total dissolved solids can help characterize water chemistry relevant to chromium chemistry and treatment options.

What Not to Conclude from Area Chromium-6 Data

Data from the Fayetteville public water system provide a broad picture of chromium-6 presence but cannot specify the concentration in any individual home’s water. Detection alone does not signify the water is unsafe or exceeds any federal health standard.

For personal water quality accuracy and appropriate treatment decisions, direct testing of household water is necessary. The Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure as a treatment option designed to address hexavalent chromium where testing shows it is of concern.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-08-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Lincoln County Board of Public Utilities #1 (TN0000764), TN: 64 results across 2 listed contaminants, 41 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L