Fleck Chromium-6 Filter

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Government records for Hilton Head Public Service District #1 in Beaufort County, SC, show chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) was detected in 7 of 20 federal samples between 2013 and 2015. The highest detected value was 0.14 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). This data reflects the water system’s broad surface water source and is not a direct measurement of any home’s water.

1. Trivalent versus Hexavalent Chromium: Why Total Chromium Results Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Chromium in water occurs mainly in two oxidation states: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), also called chromium-6. Total chromium measures both forms combined but does not distinguish which is present. Since Cr(III) and Cr(VI) have different chemical behaviors and treatment considerations, knowing total chromium alone cannot answer questions about chromium-6 specifically.

2. How Oxidation State Changes Between the Source, Distribution Main, and Tap

Hexavalent chromium's chemical form can change as water moves from the source through the distribution system to a home faucet. Factors like water chemistry, pH, and materials in pipes influence whether chromium remains as chromium-6 or converts to chromium-3. Thus, even if chromium-6 is detected at a system level, a home’s tap water chromium speciation may differ.

3. What to Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice

• Document recent laboratory water test results showing chromium-6 or total chromium concentrations for your own water source.
• Note the water source type (well or public water supply) and any treatment equipment currently in operation.
• Identify any aesthetic or operational issues related to chromium, such as discoloration or filter capacity limits being reached.

4. Geogenic Hexavalent Chromium Versus Industrial Sources

Hexavalent chromium in water can originate from natural geologic sources, especially in arid or alkaline aquifers, or from industrial activities like metal plating. For Hilton Head Island’s surface water supply and the system’s sampling record, no industrial contamination is documented. Understanding the source is important for managing expectations about water quality and treatment performance.

5. Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Water Users

Commercial and industrial users may face stricter chromium monitoring and treatment requirements than households. They might need to track daily chromium-6 levels, manage larger volumes of water, or comply with occupational regulations. Households primarily focus on ensuring drinking water quality and equipment capacity for typical domestic use.

6. Changes in Water Quality at the Tap with Advanced Chromium-6 Filtration

When the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter is added to a household system, water leaving the equipment is treated to reduce hexavalent chromium concentrations from what is present in incoming water. This results in water at the tap with lower chromium-6 levels, helping existing filtration overcome capacity limits and maintain effective reduction. The equipment ships ready to configure for residential use.

In summary, the public water system record for Hilton Head PSD #1 documents periodic chromium-6 detections in surface water but no health-based violations for chromium compounds. Residents seeking clarity on their own water quality should obtain specific testing for chromium-6 to inform treatment needs. For more detailed government data, consult the EPA’s public water system records and monitoring reports.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-02-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Hilton Head PSD #1 (SC0720006), SC: 40 results across 2 listed contaminants, 15 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L