Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter

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How to Compare This Area's Record With a Neighboring County’s Without Overreading It

The EPA's monitoring records for the Artesian Water Company serving Bear, Hockessin, and New Castle County provide data on Chromium-6 concentrations detected in the public water supply. This system uses surface water sources. When comparing these figures to nearby counties, it is important to remember this sampling reflects the water system’s overall supply between 2013 and 2015, not individual household water. Differences in source water and treatment processes from one county’s public system to another may account for variations in Chromium-6 results. Avoid assuming your own home’s water matches these values.

What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean

The Artesian Water Company’s record showed Chromium-6 detected in 45 of 48 samples with a highest measured concentration of 4.7 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a median of detections at 0.34 µg/L. There is currently no federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) specifically for Chromium-6. Total chromium has an MCL of 100 µg/L, which these results are well below. The data do not indicate any health-based violation under federal law for Chromium-6 or total chromium. A detection at or below these measures means a substance was present at the instrument’s detection limit or higher but does not imply the water is unsafe. These measurements reflect the system’s water quality, not your individual household’s tap water.

How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record

The monitoring took place between July 17, 2013, and July 16, 2014. Sampling over this 12-month period captures some seasonal variability in Chromium-6 levels but does not cover longer-term trends. Variability in source water, weather, and treatment could influence results year to year. This single-year snapshot provides insight but may not predict future concentrations. Homeowners should be aware that this record is a historical system-level overview rather than an ongoing continuous measurement of Chromium-6.

A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Homeowner Would

If the highest Chromium-6 found in the system was 4.7 µg/L and the median reading when detected was 0.34 µg/L, a typical sample would show a concentration somewhat above the detection limit but well below thresholds for regulated chromium. This suggests that while Chromium-6 appears regularly in the public supply at low levels, it remains far below federal limits for total chromium. Knowing this helps in deciding whether a household water treatment technology targeting Chromium-6 is warranted based on actual measured concentrations against regulatory standards.

What the Reader Should Write Down Before Asking Anyone for Treatment Advice

Before considering treatment options, note the public water system name (Artesian Water Company), sample dates (2013–2014), levels detected, especially the maximum (4.7 µg/L) and median (0.34 µg/L) Chromium-6 values. Also record total chromium data and confirm your water source type (surface water). Having your own water tested for Chromium-6 concentration and total chromium is essential to understand your household’s specific conditions. Public system data guide general expectations but do not substitute for individual water analysis.

How Public-System Records Differ From Private-Well Testing in What They Establish

Public water system sampling averages water quality across many connections and treatment points. It is designed for regulatory monitoring rather than individual household assessment. Private wells may have very different Chromium-6 levels due to local geology, groundwater influences, or lack of centralized treatment. Public system results do not establish the water quality at any particular household tap. Testing your home’s water directly is the only way to determine actual contaminant levels and whether treatment is necessary or effective.

For those considering water treatment options to address Chromium-6 concerns in New Castle County, equipment such as the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce Chromium-6 in residential water supplies when levels and conditions warrant.

The key step for any homeowner is to order a certified laboratory test specifically for Chromium-6 in their own water. A result showing elevated Chromium-6 would justify selecting treatment technology tailored to the measured concentration.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-07-16. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Artesian Water Company (DE0000552), DE: 96 results across 2 listed contaminants, 74 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L