Government testing conducted by the EPA from 2013 to 2015 shows that the public water system serving New Port Richey, Pasco County, has documented the presence of chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium or chromium(VI), at low microgram per liter (µg/L) levels in many samples. This data, collected through federal occurrence surveys, reflects measurements in the system's surface water source as managed by Pasco County Utilities District - West.
Belief: Chromium-6 Concentration Remains Constant from Source to Tap
The oxidation state of chromium can change as water moves from the surface water source through treatment and distribution to the household tap. Chromium(III), or trivalent chromium, may transform into chromium-6, hexavalent chromium, or vice versa depending on local chemical conditions such as pH and disinfectant use. Consequently, the chromium-6 concentration measured in the public system’s monitoring does not necessarily equal the chromium-6 level exactly at an individual home's tap. Only specific testing of tap water can clarify this.
Belief: Total Chromium Testing Fully Represents Chromium-6 Levels
Total chromium analysis, which aggregates all chromium oxidation states, cannot answer the question of chromium-6 presence by itself. The EPA data shows total chromium measurements and chromium-6 results separately: from 40 samples, chromium-6 was detected above a 0.03 µg/L reporting level in 26 samples with a highest recorded value of 0.668 µg/L, while total chromium was detected above 0.2 µg/L in 6 samples, with a highest value of 0.807 µg/L. Since total chromium includes chromium(III) and chromium(VI), knowing just the total chromium does not specify chromium-6 content or risks.
Belief: Chromium-6 Causes Noticeable Symptoms in Homes
Chromium-6 does not cause immediate or obvious household symptoms. Unlike aesthetic water issues such as taste, odor, or staining, hexavalent chromium tends to be odorless, colorless, and does not create visible changes to water quality. Therefore, symptoms like discoloration or odd tastes typically do not indicate chromium-6 presence. Testing is the only reliable way to detect it.
Belief: All Water Treatment Methods Are Equally Effective Against Chromium(VI)
Two common water treatment technologies differ in their effectiveness with chromium-6: ion exchange and reverse osmosis (RO). Ion exchange can selectively target chromium(VI) ions for exchange and removal. Reverse osmosis physically filters contaminants, including chromium-6, by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane. Each has unique advantages depending on water chemistry and treatment goals. The C-Series Chromium-6 Filter, which uses ion exchange technology tailored for chromium-6, ships ready to configure and offers a documented approach for households concerned with this constituent.
Belief: Treatment Decision Can Proceed Without Personal Water Data
Before selecting treatment for chromium-6, households should obtain a laboratory test of their tap water specifically measuring hexavalent chromium concentration. Documenting this key information helps choose the most appropriate option. Recording water source type, any recent changes in water quality, and existing filtration components will also provide helpful context for making informed choices.
Belief: Chromium-6 Affects All Fixtures Equally
Chromium-6 contamination primarily impacts fixtures and appliances that use untreated water directly, such as kitchen faucets or drinking water dispensers. Water heaters or fixtures relying on hot water may see different chromium speciation changes due to heat. Knowing which points of use require treatment can guide equipment configuration to achieve desired water quality improvements.
While Pasco County Utilities District - West’s federal testing detected chromium-6 in multiple samples, no health-based violations have been recorded for this system. This means the public water supply complies with federal safety standards as currently established. However, individual household testing is essential for specific knowledge of chromium-6 presence. The C-Series Chromium-6 Filter offers a technology option for households ready to address chromium(VI) with targeted ion exchange treatment.
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