Understanding the California Hexavalent Chromium Limit and Its Implications
California's 10 µg/L (ppb) Chromium-6 Limit
California established a public health goal of 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L, equal to parts per billion, ppb) for chromium-6 in drinking water based on studies of its potential health effects. This standard has not been adopted at the federal level or in Oregon. It provides a point of comparison rather than a regulatory threshold for Marion County residents.
Relevance for Marion County Households
The California limit serves as a cautionary benchmark but does not imply that local water exceeding or not exceeding that level indicates compliance or risk. Oregon relies on EPA federal standards, which currently do not set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for hexavalent chromium.
Public Water System Records versus Private Well Testing
Data Scope: City of Keizer's Groundwater Supply
Marion County's City of Keizer public water system, serving over 38,000 people, uses groundwater as its source. The EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) measured chromium-6 in that system from 2013 to 2015.
Limitations of Public System Data for Individual Homes
These measurements represent broad system-level monitoring. They do not reflect conditions inside individual household plumbing or private wells. Homeowners concerned about chromium-6 should obtain specific laboratory testing of their tap or well water.
Interpretation of Chromium-6 Results Against Federal Standards
Detected Concentrations in City of Keizer Water
Of 32 chromium-6 samples in the public system, five detected chromium-6 above the 0.03 µg/L reporting level, with the maximum detected concentration of 0.098 µg/L and median at 0.059 µg/L. Total chromium detections were generally below 0.3 µg/L.
Context of Federal Standards
The EPA has not established a federal MCL for chromium-6. The total chromium MCL is 100 µg/L, which is much higher than the detected concentrations. Therefore, these measurements are not violations but indicators of presence at low levels.
Variability of Chromium-6 Levels Over Time
Sampling Period and Frequency
Monitoring occurred from March to September 2014 with 32 samples collected. The detection range from non-detect to 0.098 µg/L shows some fluctuation but generally low levels.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Trends Not Established
This data provides a snapshot within a limited timeframe. Detailed long-term trends or seasonal variations in chromium-6 levels in Marion County public water are not available from this record.
Technology to Address Chromium-6 in Residential Water
Treatment Capability of Pentair Chromium-6 Filter
The Pentair Chromium-6 Filter uses specialized filtration technology designed to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from household water supplies. It targets chromium-6 to lower concentrations and improve water quality at the tap.
Use and Configuration
This system ships ready to configure for residential settings, allowing households to address chromium-6 concerns independently of municipal water treatment.
Assessing Treatment Needs Based on Household Water Use
Estimating Daily Water Demand
A typical household uses multiple gallons daily for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Evaluating the capacity of a chromium-6 filter involves comparing its rated treatment volume against the household's daily consumption to ensure effective coverage.
Choosing Appropriate Technology
Households with confirmed chromium-6 detections through specific water testing can select treatment solutions like the Pentair filter that match their water demand and treatment goals.
Summary and Source Information
Regional water system data for Marion County's City of Keizer shows trace chromium-6 presence well below federal total chromium standards and without health-based violations. Individual household water quality requires direct testing to establish personal chromium-6 concentrations. The EPA public water system record provides system-level occurrence insights and is available at epa.gov/dwucmr/occurrence-data-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-09-24. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for City of Keizer (OR4100744), OR: 64 results across 2 listed contaminants, 7 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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