Pentek Chromium-6 Filter

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Clarkstown (T) Water System Sampling for Chromium-6

The public water system serving Clarkstown (T), Rockland County, NY, is monitored by the EPA and supplies over 270,000 people. According to EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) from 2013 to 2015, hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected in 71 out of 77 samples taken from the system, with levels ranging up to 3.4 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb).

Trivalent Versus Hexavalent Chromium: Why Total Chromium Data Is Not Enough

Chromium Speciation Matters

Chromium exists primarily as chromium(III) and chromium(VI), also called trivalent and hexavalent chromium, respectively. Total chromium measurements combine both forms but cannot specify the proportion of chromium-6 present.

Differences in Impact and Treatment

Hexavalent chromium is chemically different from chromium(III) and may require specialized water treatment to address. Thus, relying on total chromium levels alone does not provide a complete picture of chromium-6 presence or implications.

Purpose and Limits of the EPA UCMR3 Survey for Households

Designed for System-Wide Monitoring

The UCMR3 survey gathered data on chromium-6 to understand its occurrence across public water systems, not to determine specific household water quality.

What the Data Does and Does Not Show

While the survey reports the frequency and range of chromium-6 detections in the system, individual homes may experience different levels. Testing your home's water is the only way to know your specific chromium(VI) concentration.

Effect of Using a Documented Technology at the Tap

Filtration with the Pentek Chromium-6 Filter

The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address chromium(VI) in residential water. It operates by targeting hexavalent chromium to reduce its presence at the tap, improving water quality for households concerned about chromium-6.

What Changes to Expect

After using this technology, customers may notice a decrease in chromium-6 levels in their water, depending on initial concentration, plumbing conditions, and maintenance of the equipment.

Interpreting 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' in the Sampling Record

Detected Means Measured Above Reporting Level

Detection indicates the presence of chromium-6 above 0.03 µg/L in samples, but it is not a violation or indication of unsafe water.

Median and Range Details

The median value of chromium-6 detected was 0.32 µg/L, with the highest measured at 3.4 µg/L. These figures describe the distribution of measured levels across the system, not any individual water source.

Considerations for Larger Households, Second Homes, or Seasonal Properties

Multiple Connections and Usage Patterns

Large households or properties with extended plumbing may experience variable water quality due to differing flow rates and water age. Seasonal properties might see changes in water chemistry over periods of inactivity.

Importance of Testing Per Location

For second homes or seasonal residences, testing at each location is recommended since the public water system data represents an average over many connections and times.

What You Should Not Conclude from Clarkstown (T) Data

The documented chromium-6 measurements represent the public water system as a whole and do not specify any individual household’s water quality. Detection of chromium(VI) does not imply a violation or unsafe condition. Homeowners interested in their water quality should conduct specific testing to determine their chromium-6 levels. The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter offers an option to address chromium(VI) as part of household water management but knowing your home's water is the essential first step.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-10-01. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for United Water New York (NY4303673), NY: 153 results across 2 listed contaminants, 136 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L