Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water
We have been monitoring the levels of total chromium and hexavalent chromium in our water for several years and wanted to take this opportunity to share some additional information with you.
- There is no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Hexavalent Chromium. California has set a state MCL at 10 parts per billion (ppb)
- Fairfax Water tests both raw (untreated) and finished (treated) water for Hexavalent Chromium. Since Fairfax Water’s Hexavalent Chromium monitoring program started in 2010, all Hexavalent Chromium results have been well below 10 ppb. The highest result obtained since analysis began was below 0.24 ppb with an average of 0.10 ppb
- We recognize that there is still further scientific research to be done to fully understand the toxicity of Hexavalent Chromium. We will continue to monitor Hexavalent Chromium levels in our water and will comply with any future regulations specific to hexavalent chromium
- Total Chromium (this includes all forms of chromium, including Hexavalent Chromium) is currently regulated by the EPA; the MCL is set at 100 ppb. Fairfax Water has continuously been in compliance for this regulation
- Fairfax Water supports the Environmental Working Group and other organizations’ efforts to protect source water from any sources of Hexavalent Chromium
For more information on total and hexavaleant chromium, please click here.