Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter

Buy Now

View full details

Government Monitoring Results for Frankfort’s Public Water System

EPA's UCMR3 Sampling Period and Objectives

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted unregulated contaminant monitoring from February to September 2014, focusing on detecting chromium-6 (also known as hexavalent chromium or Cr(VI)) in Frankfort's groundwater-based public water supply serving 24,000 people.

Detection Levels Observed During Sampling

Out of 20 samples analyzed for chromium-6, none showed detectable levels above the reporting threshold of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L or ppb). For total chromium, 10 out of 20 samples had detectable amounts, with the highest at 1.0 µg/L—well below the federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for total chromium, which is 100 µg/L.

Limitations of UCMR3 Data for Individual Household Use

This data reflects system-wide conditions, not water from any specific tap or private well. Individual households interested in understanding their own water quality should conduct certified laboratory testing of their own water supply.

Chromium Oxidation States from Source to Tap

Differences Between Chromium-6 and Total Chromium

Chromium occurs mainly in two oxidation states in water: chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) and chromium-3 (trivalent chromium). Chromium-6 is the more oxidized form and has distinct chemical properties from total chromium measurements that include both forms.

Possible Changes in Chromium Speciation Along the Distribution Path

The concentration and chemical form of chromium can vary between the groundwater source, the distribution mains, and the tap as it interacts with materials and treatment processes. These changes influence how chromium is measured and its subsequent behavior in household plumbing.

Long-Term Effects of Untreated Chromium-6 in Water

Potential Aesthetic and Material Impacts

While there is no health-based violation registered in Frankfort's water records, chromium-6 and total chromium at higher levels can sometimes contribute to color, staining, or taste changes. Over many years, untreated chromium can interact with plumbing materials, potentially affecting pipe condition.

Importance of Testing If Concerns Persist

Households noticing unusual water characteristics or wishing to confirm their drinking water quality should arrange independent testing specifically for chromium-6 to determine current local levels.

Understanding Aesthetic Versus Health-Based Standards

What Secondary Standards Address

Secondary standards for chromium primarily address aesthetic issues like taste, staining, and corrosivity rather than health risks. Frankfort’s public water shows no health-based violations for chromium-6, as confirmed by the EPA.

Why Health-Based Limits Differ

Health-based limits, such as maximum contaminant levels, are established based on risk assessments. For chromium-6, no federal MCL exists yet, only total chromium has an MCL, which Frankfort’s water meets comfortably.

Comparing Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis for Chromium(VI) Treatment

Ion Exchange Method

Ion exchange systems are designed to target chromium-6 ions specifically, exchanging them for less harmful ions in the water. This process works well for chromium(VI) particularly in groundwater supplies.

Reverse Osmosis Method

Reverse osmosis systems filter water by forcing it through a membrane that blocks many contaminants, including chromium in various oxidation states, reducing their concentration in treated water.

Choosing Between These Approaches

Deciding on ion exchange or reverse osmosis depends on factors such as overall water chemistry, household water use, and personal treatment goals focusing on chromium(VI).

Reading Certified Laboratory Tests for Chromium-6

What Typical Test Reports Include

Certified labs report chromium-6 concentrations in micrograms per liter (µg/L or ppb). The report will show if chromium-6 is detected above the laboratory’s reporting limit, which can vary but is commonly around 0.03 µg/L.

Interpreting Your Results

If chromium-6 is detected, understanding its level relative to local system-wide data and any aesthetic guidelines helps inform treatment decisions. Remember, detection does not indicate a health violation or contamination but is a measurement to consider.

Summary

The EPA’s monitoring in Frankfort’s public groundwater supply found no chromium-6 above detection limits and total chromium at levels far below regulatory limits. Individual household water quality can differ, so certified testing is the only way to know personal water conditions. For those seeking chromium(VI) treatment, equipment such as the Autotrol Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure and offers technology suited for managing chromium(VI) in residential water.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-09-22. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Frankfort (IL1970400), IL: 40 results across 2 listed contaminants, 10 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L