Choosing the right water treatment depends on understanding the chromium-6 levels in your local water system and what these mean for your household. For residents of Exeter in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, recent public water system sampling provides a local perspective on hexavalent chromium concentrations that can help inform this decision.
Myth: Total Chromium Results Alone Show Hexavalent Chromium Levels in Home Water
While total chromium includes all chromium forms, it does not specify how much chromium-6, or hexavalent chromium, is present. The EPA’s unregulated contaminant monitoring data for Exeter's public water system show total chromium detections generally below 0.59 micrograms per liter (µg/L or ppb), well beneath the federal maximum contaminant level of 100 µg/L for total chromium. However, total chromium includes mainly trivalent chromium and a smaller fraction of hexavalent chromium.
In the same sampling period (2013-2015), chromium-6 was detected in 6 out of 16 samples at levels from 0.03 µg/L up to 0.046 µg/L, with a median detected value of 0.035 µg/L. This indicates hexavalent chromium is present at low but measurable levels distinct from total chromium results. Knowing both values clarifies what’s in the water but does not define your home’s exact levels without personal testing.
Myth: California's 10 µg/L Chromium-6 Limit Applies Everywhere and Defines Safety
California established a public health goal of 10 µg/L chromium-6 based on its state-level risk assessments, but no federal maximum contaminant level exists specifically for chromium-6. Exeter’s water system data show chromium-6 levels far below this 10 µg/L guideline. While this provides some reassurance, the California standard is not a nationwide rule and serves as an advisory benchmark rather than a legal safety limit for Exeter.
Residents concerned about chromium-6 should consider that detected levels in Exeter’s surface water source do not trigger federal safety violations, but individual household water may differ. Personal water testing is the definitive way to assess chromium-6 concentrations at your tap.
Myth: Only One Technology Can Address Chromium(VI) in Household Water
Water treatment for hexavalent chromium involves technologies that target chromium-6 effectively while maintaining water quality. The Pentair Chromium-6 Filter technology is documented to reduce chromium(VI) by processes specific to this contaminant, treating household water after collection.
This technology ships ready to configure and works with residential water systems to treat water inline, aiming to lower chromium-6 concentrations to levels more aligned with health-conscious guidelines. It is designed specifically to tackle chromium(VI), complementing other water treatment steps as needed for total water quality.
Myth: Chromium-6 Levels Are Constant Over Time in Surface Water Sources
Monitoring results from June 2013 to March 2014 show variability in chromium-6 detections in Exeter’s water system. Out of 16 samples, only 6 showed detectable chromium-6 levels above the reporting threshold of 0.03 µg/L, with a range of detected values indicating fluctuations either from source water changes, seasonal effects, or treatment adjustments.
This variability means household chromium-6 levels can shift over months or years. Understanding this helps when evaluating when to test water or consider treatment options, especially for households with varying water demand throughout the year.
Myth: Surface Water Source Indicates Uniform Chromium-6 Concentrations Across All Wells or Depths
Exeter’s water system relies on surface water, which typically interacts differently with chromium species than groundwater or deep wells. Surface water chromium-6 levels tend to reflect watershed characteristics, runoff, and treatment plant inputs rather than deep aquifer geochemistry.
Therefore, chromium-6 concentrations in household water connected to Exeter’s system may differ from those drawing from private wells or deeper sources. Knowing the water source informs expectations regarding chromium-6 but personal water testing remains essential for household-specific data.
Myth: Household and Industrial Chromium-6 Concerns Are the Same
Commercial and industrial operations often have higher water volume demands and may face regulatory scrutiny differing from residential households. They might consider additional parameters such as chromium speciation changes during processing or discharge limits.
In contrast, a household deciding on chromium-6 treatment focuses on drinking and usage water quality and affordability of treatment. The Pentair Chromium-6 Filter technology addresses residential needs to reduce chromium(VI) effectively within typical home water use patterns.
Understanding local water quality data, how chromium-6 varies with source and over time, and the capabilities of targeted treatment technologies like the Pentair Chromium-6 Filter helps Exeter residents in Rockingham County make informed treatment choices tailored to their household water use and safety concerns.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-03-04. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Exeter Water Department (NH0801010), NH: 32 results across 2 listed contaminants, 8 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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