Trivalent versus hexavalent chromium: why a total-chromium result cannot answer the question
Many tests report total chromium without distinguishing chromium(III) from chromium(VI), also known as hexavalent chromium or chromium-6. This matters because the two forms have different chemical properties and health considerations. Total chromium concentrations combine both, without clarifying how much of the chromium is hexavalent chromium, the form of concern here. Therefore, a total chromium result alone cannot answer whether hexavalent chromium is present at concerning levels in your home's water.
Geogenic hexavalent chromium in arid and alkaline aquifers versus industrial plating sources
Hexavalent chromium can originate from natural (geogenic) sources or industrial activities. Natural formations in some arid, alkaline aquifers release chromium(VI) into groundwater. In contrast, industrial sources like plating and manufacturing can contribute chromium-6 to surface and groundwater systems. The public water system serving parts of Lehigh County sources from surface water, where hexavalent chromium presence reflects environmental factors and upstream influences rather than well chemistry.
The order in which to rule things out, from cheapest check to laboratory test
After existing treatment equipment fails, it is important to clarify the chromium-6 situation at your home. Start with checking municipal water quality reports like the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System, which provides system-wide monitoring data. Next, consider testing your tap water specifically for chromium-6 at an accredited laboratory that uses analytical methods sensitive to hexavalent chromium at microgram per liter (µg/L) levels. This will establish your home's actual water quality independently of system records.
A worked example: reading the record’s median and range as a homeowner would
The LCA-WLSA Central Division water system in Lehigh County reported chromium-6 detections in 60 samples from 2014, all above the reporting level of 0.03 µg/L. The highest measured chromium(VI) concentration was 0.74 micrograms per liter (parts per billion), with a median of 0.385 micrograms per liter. For total chromium, detections exceeded 0.2 µg/L in all samples, with a maximum of 1.2 µg/L and a median of 0.6 µg/L. Importantly, these figures do not exceed any federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) because no MCL exists specifically for chromium-6 and the total chromium MCL is 100 micrograms per liter. This means the water system's chromium-6 levels are monitored and documented but not classified as violations or unsafe.
How the documented treatment technology removes or neutralises the constituent
The C-Series Chromium-6 Filter is designed to address concerns from failed treatment equipment regarding hexavalent chromium in residential water. Using specialized filtration technology, it targets chromium(VI) to reduce its concentration at the tap. This equipment ships ready to configure for your home water supply. It provides a documented solution for households seeking to restore control over chromium-6 levels after prior treatment units ceased functioning.
What you should NOT conclude from area data: The presence of chromium-6 detections in the public water system record does not mean your personal water supply contains chromium-6 at these levels. Nor does it imply any legal violation or health hazard exists. Only a direct test of your home's water can confirm chromium-6 concentration. Existing municipal records give an important regional context but are not a substitute for individual water quality assessment, especially after the failure of any prior treatment equipment.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-12-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for LCA-WLSA Central Division (PA3390073), PA: 120 results across 2 listed contaminants, 120 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L