Washington County Service Authority supplies drinking water to over 47,000 residents through surface water sources. This water is treated and distributed to homes via a public system serving more than 20,000 connections. Understanding the presence and behavior of specific contaminants like chromium-6 (also known as hexavalent chromium or chromium(VI)) in this area’s water is important when considering treatment methods for household use.
Myth: The UCMR3 Survey Defines Your Home’s Chromium-6 Level Precisely
The third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) by the EPA collected data nationwide, including Washington County, to study chromium-6 occurrence in public water systems. This survey detected chromium-6 in all 28 samples from Washington County’s system, with concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 0.265 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion). However, it is important to understand that these results represent broad system measurements, not individual homes. Your household water can only be confirmed by a certified test specific to your tap.
Myth: Chromium-6 Levels Remain Constant From Source to Tap
Chromium-6, an oxidation state of chromium, can transform through chemical reactions as water moves from surface sources through treatment plants and distribution mains to residential taps. Changes in factors like pH, presence of reducing agents, and pipe materials may influence chromium’s oxidation state, potentially converting chromium-6 to other forms such as total chromium. This variability means the concentrations measured at the source or system points may differ from those at the tap.
Myth: Treatment Devices Need Complex Upkeep And Frequent Service
The Pentek Chromium-6 Filter offers a straightforward approach to address hexavalent chromium concerns at the household level. Designed to ship ready to configure, it employs proven technology to reduce chromium-6 presence without requiring special tools or professional intervention. Routine maintenance involves periodic filter cartridge replacement according to manufacturer guidelines, simplifying upkeep and ensuring continued performance without complicated procedures.
Myth: Detection, Median, and Range Are Difficult to Understand
Within the EPA’s sampling record, “detected” indicates that instruments measured chromium-6 above a reporting threshold of 0.03 µg/L, not a violation or unsafe condition. The median of detected results (0.1785 µg/L) reflects the middle value among all positive measurements, providing a sense of central tendency in the distribution. The range from lowest (0.03 µg/L) to highest (0.265 µg/L) shows the variability in chromium-6 levels. Recognizing these terms clarifies what the data conveys about water quality in the Washington County system.
Myth: Water Treatment For Chromium-6 Is Ineffective Or Complex
The documented Pentek technology reduces chromium-6 primarily through adsorption processes that bind chromium(VI) ions within the filter media, preventing them from reaching the tap. This approach addresses chromium-6 as it exists in the treated water, allowing households to mitigate chromium(VI) content without altering large-scale system operations. The filter media’s capacity and replacement schedule maintain effectiveness, offering a manageable solution to this constituent.
In summary, Washington County’s public water system data confirms the presence of chromium-6 within a range typical for many surface water sources, without any established federal maximum contaminant level specifically for chromium-6. Residents considering treatment options can rely on certified testing of their own water and select technologies such as the Pentek Chromium-6 Filter, which offers straightforward maintenance and proven performance for residential water treatment needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-05-28. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Washington County Service Authority (VA1191883), VA: 56 results across 2 listed contaminants, 43 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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