Fleck Chromium-6 Filter

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1. How Chromium's Oxidation State Changes from Groundwater to Your Tap

Hexavalent chromium, also called chromium-6 or Cr(VI), can change its chemical form between the source well, public water mains, and household taps. Memphis Light, Gas & Water draws from groundwater, where chromium's oxidation state may vary due to natural chemistry and oxygen exposure during transport. This means chromium-6 measured in supply has undergone transformations before reaching consumers, affecting how it is detected and treated inside homes.

2. Why Total Chromium Results Don't Fully Reflect Chromium-6 Levels

Federal monitoring in Memphis measured total chromium separately from chromium-6, with no total chromium detections above 0.2 micrograms per liter (ppb) in 40 tests, while chromium-6 was detected above the 0.03 ppb reporting level in 7 of 40 samples, up to 0.1 ppb. Since total chromium includes all chromium species, it cannot reliably indicate chromium-6 content, which is specifically chromium in the hexavalent oxidation state. Understanding this difference clarifies why total chromium results alone do not describe chromium-6 exposure.

3. How Fleck Chromium-6 Filter Technology Addresses Chromium(VI) in Household Water

Following the failure of existing treatment equipment, replacing it with technology designed to target chromium-6 is critical. The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure for home water systems and uses specialized media and processes to reduce levels of hexavalent chromium in tap water, improving taste, appearance, and potential health-related concerns. This technology treats chromium-6 specifically, rather than total chromium, providing a targeted solution.

4. Differentiating Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis for Chromium(VI) Control

In tackling chromium-6, ion exchange and reverse osmosis approaches vary. Ion exchange replaces chromium ions on a resin, effectively reducing Cr(VI) without producing wastewater, while reverse osmosis forces water through membranes that block chromium, removing a broad range of contaminants but also reducing water flow and increasing waste. The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter relies on ion exchange methods tailored for hexavalent chromium, offering efficient treatment suitable for residential use.

5. Sample Size and What Memphis Area Data Reveals About Chromium-6 Presence

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted 40 chromium-6 tests on the Memphis Light, Gas & Water system from February to December 2015. Of these, 7 samples recorded chromium-6 above 0.03 micrograms per liter—a reporting threshold, not a limit—reaching a highest level of 0.1 micrograms per liter. This data covers a large public system serving over 650,000 people through more than 255,000 connections. While valuable for understanding area water quality, the relatively small number of samples means it does not reveal specific conditions in individual homes. A certified laboratory test of your own tap remains the only way to determine your water’s chromium-6 status.

Closing: Understanding the Scope of Government Chromium-6 Data in Shelby County

Government sampling of Memphis public water reflects broad water system conditions but not individual household water quality. This system, sourced from groundwater, has no health-based violations recorded for chromium or chromium-6. For personal assessment, a certified water test is needed. For full public data, consult the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) and Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) records.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-08. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Memphis Light, Gas & Water (TN0000450), TN: 80 results across 2 listed contaminants, 7 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L