Understanding the EPA UCMR3 Survey and Its Household Scope
Nationwide Environmental Research Objective
The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) survey conducted from 2013 to 2015 aimed to gather occurrence data on various contaminants like chromium-6 across public water systems in the United States. For Beckley Water Company in Raleigh County, WV, this encompassed surface water drawn for over 47,000 residents.
Limitations for Individual Home Water Data
This survey provides aggregated results for the water system and does not represent the water quality of any specific household. Residents interested in their own water's chromium-6 levels will need a certified laboratory test for precise analysis.
Distinguishing Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium in Water Testing
Why Total Chromium Results Aren't Sufficient
Total chromium measurements combine Cr(III) and Cr(VI), but these forms have different properties and regulatory considerations. The UCMR3 data reports total chromium separately from chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium), which is the more chemically reactive form. Knowing the hexavalent chromium concentration specifically helps in selecting the correct water treatment approach.
Schedules and Care for Fleck Equipment
Maintenance Overview in Everyday Terms
The Fleck Chromium-6 Filter ships ready to configure for household use. It is designed for longevity with routine upkeep based on water demand and quality. Maintenance generally involves periodic media replacement and system checks to keep performance consistent.
Interpreting Beckley Water Company's Chromium-6 Results
Median and Range from EPA Sampling
EPA monitoring found chromium-6 in Beckley's water at six of 14 sampling times, with a highest value of 0.16 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb), and a median of detected values at 0.098 µg/L. These figures document what was detected in the system's supply, not in any particular home.
Total Chromium Results Context
Total chromium detections peaked at 0.44 µg/L, well below the federal maximum contaminant level of 100 µg/L for total chromium in drinking water, confirming no health-based violations on record.
Understanding Laboratory Testing Reports for Chromium-6
What to Expect in a Certified Water Test
A laboratory report for chromium-6 will specify concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L or ppb). It reflects the amount of hexavalent chromium detected in the sample collected from a particular tap or source in the home.
Interpreting Results for Decision-Making
Comparing your home's test numbers to regional data helps determine the need and scale of treatment. Since concentrations vary widely, a certified test guides selection of water equipment suited to the measured chromium-6 demand.
Clarifying Sampling Data Terms Applied to Beckley's Water
What Does 'Detected' Mean Here?
Detection means instruments found chromium-6 levels above the minimal reporting threshold (0.03 µg/L). This is an analytical result, not a health violation or indication of unsafe water.
Median and Range Explained
The median of detected chromium-6 values (0.098 µg/L) is the middle concentration of positive results collected, while the range spans from nondetects below reporting level up to the highest measured 0.16 µg/L. These statistics summarize system-wide presence.
Closing this review, if your household's test shows chromium-6 concentration in the range documented for Beckley Water Company, the Fleck Chromium-6 Filter offers a documented technology that ships ready to configure and can address the demand you measure with effective media tailored for hexavalent chromium.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-09. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Beckley Water Company (WV3304104), WV: 28 results across 2 listed contaminants, 14 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L
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