The Pasco County Utilities District - West, serving New Port Richey and surrounding communities, draws its water from surface sources. This public water system provides service to over 214,000 residents through more than 127,000 connections. Water treatment and quality monitoring follow federal and state guidelines to ensure compliance and safety.
Purpose and Limits of the UCMR3 Survey for Local Chromium-6 Data
Between 2013 and 2015, the EPA conducted the third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) survey to gather data on contaminants like chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI)) that are not yet regulated by health-based standards. This survey included samples from the Pasco County Utilities District - West system to document background occurrence levels in public surface water supplies.
This monitoring records detection results, not compliance testing or safety determinations. It provides an overview of chromium-6 presence in the system’s source water and finished water, but does not reveal specific conditions for individual households’ taps. Testing of your own water is needed for precise concentrations at your home.
Impact of Chromium-6 on Household Fixtures and Appliances
Chromium-6, a chemical form of chromium, may influence water quality in ways that affect household plumbing and appliances. While it does not cause immediate aesthetic issues like odor or taste, microscopic amounts can accumulate and potentially affect sensitive uses such as ice makers, humidifiers, or aquarium systems that require precise water chemistry.
Monitoring levels help guide which household components may experience subtle effects over time, particularly in appliances with extended water contact. Knowing local concentration ranges supports targeted water treatment decisions to maintain equipment longevity and performance.
How Pentek Chromium-6 Filter Technology Addresses Hexavalent Chromium
The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter uses specialized filtration technology designed to reduce chromium(VI) levels in residential tap water. This technology is engineered to capture and neutralize hexavalent chromium, improving water quality for household consumption and use. It ships ready to configure for straightforward operation without the need for extensive modification of existing plumbing.
Sample Size and Data Representation Behind Pasco County Chromium-6 Figures
The EPA’s UCMR3 data for the Pasco County Utilities District - West comprises 40 sample results for chromium-6 collected from 2013 to 2015. Of these, 26 samples detected chromium-6 above the reporting threshold of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion, ppb), with the highest recorded level at 0.668 µg/L. The median detection concentration was 0.089 µg/L.
This sample size reflects system-wide monitoring rather than individual household conditions. Small sample counts and regional variation mean that personal water testing is required for a definitive picture of your home's chromium-6 concentration.
Measured Ranges Versus Federal Standards and What They Indicate
Federal law sets a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total chromium at 100 µg/L (ppb), encompassing all chromium forms combined. The highest chromium-6 measurement in Pasco County’s public water system was 0.668 µg/L, well below this total chromium standard. Notably, there is no current federal MCL specifically for hexavalent chromium.
These measurements do not represent violations or unsafe conditions but document presence within a regulated system. Such data inform water quality management and support homeowner decisions about additional treatment as desired.
California’s 10 µg/L Limit for Chromium-6: Context and Implications for Pasco Residents
California has established a state-level limit of 10 µg/L (ppb) for chromium-6 in drinking water, motivated by scientific studies concerning long-term exposure. This threshold is advisory elsewhere and not federally mandated for Pasco County utilities. It provides context for understanding chromium-6 concentrations observed nationally and locally.
For New Port Richey residents, the significantly lower chromium-6 levels measured in local public water highlight that federal and state regulatory frameworks differ. This history underscores the importance of personal water testing to assess whether additional filtration might align with individual preferences or health guidance.
The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter is a documented treatment option for households seeking to address chromium(VI) present in their water supply. Its design targets hexavalent chromium concentrations such as those measured by EPA monitoring programs, helping users achieve water quality consistent with their expectations.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-09-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Pasco County Utilities District - West (FL6511361), FL: 80 results across 2 listed contaminants, 32 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.