Many think the UCMR3 testing reveals their home water chromium-6 levels precisely
The EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) was designed to collect occurrence data about contaminants like hexavalent chromium in public water systems nationwide, including Roanoke City's Western Virginia Water Authority. This survey helps gather general regional information but does not determine the chromium(VI) concentration at your tap. Individual household water can differ widely due to plumbing materials, water usage patterns, and additional local sources. To know your home's chromium-6 level, a certified laboratory test of your specific water sample is necessary.
Chromium-6 can change form from source to tap, influencing treatment choice
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in surface water sources can undergo chemical changes as water moves through treatment facilities and distribution pipes. Oxidation states may shift, affecting chromium's solubility and how it interacts with other elements or treatment steps. These changes mean that chromium forms detected at the water source or distribution system may not exactly match what arrives at your tap. Understanding these transformations is key when considering treatment methods that target specific chromium types.
Filtration technology designed for chromium-6 targets this specific contaminant type
The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter employs media and processes formulated to address hexavalent chromium by reducing its concentration to levels aligned with your testing results. This water treatment technology is shipped ready to configure for home use, allowing households in Roanoke City to manage chromium(VI) according to their measured water quality. Such filters work by adsorbing or chemically transforming chromium-6, helping reduce its presence before water use.
Comparing Roanoke City's water data with nearby counties requires caution
While it may be tempting to compare chromium-6 detection levels between Western Virginia Water Authority and neighboring county water systems, these records represent different water sources and treatment regimes. Variations in surface water or groundwater composition, system size, and treatment strategies mean that differences in detected chromium(VI) levels reflect system-wide conditions rather than simple regional trends. Avoid drawing conclusions about your home's water from nearby counties' data without specific tests.
Certified testing for chromium-6 reports concentrations you can use to guide treatment
A certified laboratory test for hexavalent chromium provides results in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb), quantifying Cr(VI) in your water sample. This direct measurement is the foundation for deciding which level of treatment is appropriate. Testing reports specify detection limits and exact concentrations, informing whether a specialized filter like the Fleck model is needed. Regular monitoring is advisable to track any changes over time.
After confirming your water's chromium-6 level with a certified lab, the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter offers a practical treatment option that corresponds to your demand, enabling tailored improvements to your household water quality.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-17. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Western Virginia Water Authority (VA2770900), VA: 114 results across 2 listed contaminants, 78 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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