Fleck Chromium-6 Filter

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Step 1: Geogenic Chromium-6 Versus Industrial Sources in Franklin County

Chromium-6, also called hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI), appears in water through natural geological processes and industrial activities. In Franklin County's public water system, supplied by surface water, chromium-6 is present as shown by EPA monitoring from 2013 to 2015. This data reflects the system serving over 1.3 million people, not individual household water. Understanding whether your water’s chromium-6 comes from natural or industrial sources requires testing your own supply, as local variation occurs.

Step 2: Why California’s 10 µg/L Limit Influences Perception Outside Its Borders

California has set a public health goal and a notification level of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb) for chromium-6, though the federal government has not established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) specifically for it. This state-specific guidance reflects precautionary measures, but it does not replace federal standards applicable in Ohio. The Franklin County public system detected chromium-6 at levels well below total chromium’s federal MCL of 100 µg/L, providing a contextual framework rather than a direct safety judgment.

Step 3: How Plumbing Material and Age Affect Chromium Presence Independently

Plumbing materials and the age of household piping can influence water quality and potentially contribute trace metals. However, chromium-6 originates mainly from source water rather than household plumbing. The EPA data refers to the community water system’s source and treatment, so if your home has older plumbing, separate testing can clarify whether internal pipes affect chromium levels uniquely from the system’s surface water supply.

Step 4: Differentiating Chromium-6 from Other Chromium and Metal Concerns

Chromium exists in multiple forms, with chromium-6 being one variant and total chromium including all species. The EPA data reports both chromium-6 and total chromium results, with chromium-6 detected in all samples at median 0.195 µg/L and highest 0.35 µg/L, and total chromium detected at slightly higher levels. This distinction matters because treatment and health guidance can vary between chromium species; understanding which form is present is key to addressing concerns.

Step 5: Interpreting Detected Chromium-6 Levels Versus Federal Standards

The federal EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) applies to total chromium, set at 100 µg/L, a limit not exceeded in Franklin County’s public water system by any chromium or chromium-6 measurement. Although chromium-6 was detected in every sample by the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3), these detections do not indicate a violation or confirmed health risk by themselves. They serve as evidence to inform potential monitoring and household choices.

Step 6: What Changes in Household Water at the Tap with Treatment

Water treatment designed specifically for hexavalent chromium can reduce chromium-6 concentrations by exchanging or filtering chromium ions and delivering treated water suitable for residential use. The documented solution Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure for household water addressing this constituent. After configuring such treatment, water at the tap typically shows lower chromium-6 levels, potentially improving aesthetic qualities and alignment with homeowner preferences for water quality.

To resolve uncertainty about your household water’s chromium-6 level, order a laboratory test analyzing chromium-6 specifically in your well or tap water. A result reporting chromium-6 concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb) will provide the definitive information needed to decide if treatment like the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter is advised.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-12-16. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Columbus (OH2504412), OH: 40 results across 2 listed contaminants, 37 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L