If your water comes from the Water Authority of Dickson County, what does chromium-6 detection mean?
Federal data from the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) covering 2013 to 2015 reports that all tested samples from the Water Authority of Dickson County detected chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)) at levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.24 micrograms per liter (parts per billion). This public water system supplies surface water to over 68,000 people in Dickson and recorded no health-based violations during this period. Because chromium-6 is detected but well below the total chromium maximum contaminant level of 100 µg/L, these data do not indicate the presence of chromium-6 at unsafe levels. However, understanding what detection means and what it does not is essential for homeowners considering their water quality concerns.
If you want to understand geogenic chromium-6 compared to industrial sources in Dickson
Hexavalent chromium in surface water can originate from natural geological sources—known as geogenic chromium-6—especially in areas with specific soil and bedrock compositions. Industrial sources, such as plating and manufacturing, can also contribute chromium-6, but these are usually localized and associated with pollution events or discharge permits. The Water Authority of Dickson County’s water is surface-sourced, and no federal violations have been recorded, suggesting industrial contamination is not a documented issue in this system. Geogenic sources generally produce lower and more stable background levels of chromium(VI) than industrial discharges.
If you seek to compare Dickson’s chromium-6 data with neighboring counties, what should you keep in mind?
Comparisons between counties must consider that each public water system samples different water sources and employs distinct treatment methods. For example, a neighboring county might rely on groundwater, which can have different chromium-6 characteristics than surface water. Furthermore, detection frequencies and levels are influenced by sampling times and locations. Therefore, while Dickson’s record shows median hexavalent chromium detections around 0.12 µg/L, neighboring systems’ data cannot be directly equated to your home's exact water composition. Individual water tests at your tap are necessary for precise assessment.
If you consider the effect of the Pentek Chromium-6 Filter on household water quality
The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure as a point-of-entry solution that targets chromium(VI) specifically. By acting at the tap or for the entire home, it reduces hexavalent chromium levels to help address the detected Cr(VI) in the local water supply. This technology complements existing municipal treatment by providing an added layer of control for households wishing to lower chromium-6 concentrations in their delivered water.
If you want to understand how hexavalent chromium’s oxidation state changes from source to tap
Chromium-6 exists as hexavalent chromium, a form that can vary in concentration depending on water chemistry changes throughout treatment and distribution. Oxidation-reduction reactions in water can convert chromium-6 to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), which behaves differently in terms of solubility and toxicity. Municipal disinfection and distribution system conditions can influence chromium’s oxidation state, potentially lowering chromium(VI) levels by the time water reaches your tap. This means the chromium-6 measured at the source might differ from what is present in household water, underscoring the importance of testing at your point of use.
For those in Dickson concerned about chromium-6, the documented Pentek Chromium-6 Filter provides a reliable method to address chromium(VI) effects measured in this area’s water system. After testing your household water to determine chromium-6 levels, this filter can be acquired directly to help manage your water quality with consideration to the local data and water chemistry.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-06-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Water Authority of Dickson County (TN0000191), TN: 48 results across 2 listed contaminants, 31 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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