If You Notice Metallic or Slightly Bitter Taste at Your Tap
Some households in Lehigh County may observe a metallic or somewhat bitter taste when consuming tap water. This sensory cue can be associated with the presence of chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)), a form of chromium monitored in public water systems but not regulated by a federal maximum contaminant level. The water system serving this area, LCA-WLSA Central Division, sourced from surface water, recorded chromium-6 in all samples analyzed during EPA's UCMR3 monitoring from 2013 to 2015. Concentrations ranged up to 0.74 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or parts per billion (ppb), with a median detected level of 0.385 µg/L. While not a violation or indication of unsafe water, these detections provide context for further consideration if you seek treatment solutions.
If You Recall California’s 10 µg/L Guideline and Wonder About Its Role Here
California has adopted a public health goal for hexavalent chromium in drinking water at 10 micrograms per liter (ppb), distinct from any federal standard. This benchmark reflects research focused on potential health effects from chronic exposure and guides some treatment approaches. However, the chromium-6 levels found in the Lehigh County public water system are well below this guideline, indicating that local concentrations differ notably from the threshold considered by California regulators. The existence of this guideline serves as a reference, not a regulatory requirement in Pennsylvania, and can help gauge the relative magnitude of chromium-6 present in your water.
If You Understand Sources of Hexavalent Chromium: Natural Versus Industrial
Hexavalent chromium in drinking water can originate from geogenic (natural) sources or from industrial processes, such as metal plating and manufacturing residuals. In Lehigh County, surface water supplies are primarily influenced by natural conditions and limited industrial impact. Geogenic chromium-6 tends to be present in varying low concentrations influenced by local geology and water chemistry, whereas industrial sources can introduce different contamination patterns. Understanding the origin helps guide monitoring and management strategies.
If You Are Planning the Steps to Confirm Your Home’s Chromium-6 Situation
Before deciding on treatment, start with a basic observation: note any unusual taste or discoloration. Next, consider ordering a laboratory analysis of your home's tap water specifically for chromium-6 to establish an exact measurement. This test is essential because public system data provides area-wide context but does not reflect site-specific conditions inside your plumbing. Laboratory results showing chromium-6 concentration will clarify whether treatment is warranted.
If You Consider the Effects of Leaving Chromium-6 Untreated Over Time
Chromium-6 is a stable chemical species that can persist in water pipelines and household plumbing. Without treatment, any hexavalent chromium present will remain in the water you use daily. While no federal MCL exists for chromium-6, long-term exposure at varying concentrations has been studied for potential health implications. Awareness and management may be a prudent precaution for some homeowners, particularly when personal water quality tests confirm its presence.
If You Know How Chromium's Oxidation State May Change From Source to Tap
Chromium can exist in several oxidation states in water, but chromium-6 (Cr(VI)) and chromium-3 (Cr(III)) are the most common in drinking water. The chemical form can change due to environmental factors such as oxygen levels and pH during water treatment, distribution, and inside household plumbing. Surface water systems like the local source often include treatment steps that may alter chromium chemistry before reaching your tap. Therefore, chromium-6 detected at the system level may differ in form and concentration by the time it arrives at your faucet.
If You Consider How Treated Water Differs With Chromium-6 Specialized Filtration
Advanced filtration technologies can specifically target chromium-6 to reduce its concentration in residential water. Equipment such as the C-Series Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure with the homeowner’s existing plumbing setup, providing a technical solution designed for capturing hexavalent chromium. This approach complements broader water treatment practices by focusing on chromium-6 without altering other water quality characteristics.
Conclusion: The Critical Step to Resolve Your Chromium-6 Concerns
The pivotal action for any household in Lehigh County weighing treatment options for chromium-6 is to obtain a precise laboratory analysis of their own tap water for chromium-6 concentration. This result will determine whether the chromium-6 level merits specific treatment or if the existing water quality aligns with regional monitoring data. Confirming your own water’s chemistry is the foundation for making an informed selection between technical approaches.
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