Salt Lake Chromium-6 Water Quality: What Murray City Data Shows for Local Homes

The groundwater supplying Murray City Water System, serving Salt Lake County, passes through natural aquifers before reaching residential taps. This system supports nearly 39,000 people with water drawn primarily from below ground.

Differences Between Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis for Chromium(VI)

Ion Exchange Targets Chromium-6 Specifically

Ion exchange processes are designed to target hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions selectively, exchanging them with other ions to reduce chromium-6 concentration in treated water.

Reverse Osmosis Filters a Broader Range

Reverse osmosis membranes physically filter out chromium(VI) along with many other dissolved solids, but may also reduce beneficial minerals.

Ion Exchange Often Preferred for Selectivity

Because ion exchange specifically focuses on hexavalent chromium, it can be efficient in addressing chromium-6 issues without altering water chemistry drastically.

Water Quality Changes at the Tap After Using the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter

Reduces Chromium-6 Concentrations Effectively

The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter uses ion exchange technology to lower chromium(VI) levels, improving water clarity and taste.

Maintains Other Water Minerals

This filter allows essential minerals to remain, preserving water's natural balance compared to some broader filtration methods.

Ships Ready to Configure for Home Use

The Fleck product arrives ready to set up with household plumbing without complex adjustments.

Number of Samples and Wells Behind the Murray City Data

37 Chromium-6 Samples Collected (2014-2015)

During the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3), 37 samples tested chromium-6 levels in the Murray City Water System.

33 Detectable Chromium-6 Results Above 0.03 µg/L

Most samples showed measurable hexavalent chromium, with a highest detected level of 1.51 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion).

Median Chromium-6 Level Was 0.629 µg/L

The middle concentration of detected samples indicates typical chromium-6 presence in system water, but individual homes may vary.

Comparing Salt Lake County’s Chromium-6 Record to a Neighboring County

Salt Lake’s Data Reflects Groundwater Source Characteristics

Salt Lake County’s chromium(VI) levels relate to local geology, which may differ significantly from adjacent counties with surface water sources.

Neighboring Areas May Show Different Detection Rates or Concentrations

When comparing data, consider the type of water source and sampling scope rather than assuming direct equivalence.

Use Regional Data as a General Guide, Not a Definitive Indicator

Local variations in wells and plumbing mean neighbors’ water quality can vary despite shared regional records.

Purpose and Limits of the UCMR3 Nationwide Chromium-6 Survey

Designed to Measure Occurrence in Public Water Systems

UCMR3 data provides occurrence trends of hexavalent chromium across public water systems, not home-specific results.

Not a Compliance Test but a Scientific Monitoring Effort

Results indicate where chromium(VI) is present but do not constitute health-based legal thresholds.

Individual Home Testing Is Required for Precise Water Quality

To understand chromium-6 levels in your own tap water, certified lab analysis is necessary beyond system-wide surveys.

Fixtures, Appliances, and Processes First Affected by Chromium-6

Water Heaters and Faucets May Show Mineral Deposits

Chromium-6 along with other dissolved solids can influence scale buildup in appliances exposed to heated water.

Ice Makers and Coffee Brewers Highlight Water Taste Changes

Appliances that concentrate water by freezing or brewing may accentuate any off-tastes associated with chromium(VI).

Showering and Cooking Water Quality Also Reflects Chromium-6 Levels

Although chromium-6 is at low concentrations, its presence in tap water affects overall water quality experienced daily.

The EPA’s UCMR3 data collection measured chromium-6 in the Murray City Water System in Salt Lake County, UT. This system uses groundwater sources serving over 38,000 people. Details on sampling, detection levels, and technology options for treatment are all publicly available at the EPA website.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-03-27. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Murray City Water System (UTAH18024), UT: 74 results across 2 listed contaminants, 64 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L