Chromium (Total) in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Chromium (Total) is an inorganic contaminant that can be found in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 100 μg/L for this substance. While it is regulated to protect public health, its severity weight is moderate.
Health Effects
Consuming water containing Chromium (Total) can lead to adverse health effects. Specifically, exposure to this contaminant is associated with allergic dermatitis. It can also cause damage to the liver and kidneys.
How Chromium (Total) Gets Into Tap Water
Chromium (Total) can enter drinking water from both natural and industrial sources. It occurs naturally in geological deposits that erode over time. Industrial sources include wastewater discharges from steel mills and pulp mills.
How to Remove Chromium (Total) From Your Water
There are several established methods for removing Chromium (Total) from drinking water. These include coagulation/filtration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis. Standard water treatment systems utilizing these technologies can be used to reduce its concentration.
Should You Test Your Water?
You can check for Chromium (Total) by reviewing your water utility's annual consumer confidence report or searching WaterQ. If you get your water from a private well, periodic testing through a certified laboratory is recommended. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Chromium (Total) data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chromium (Total) dangerous in drinking water?
At elevated levels, Chromium (Total) can pose health risks. Exposure can cause allergic dermatitis as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. The EPA sets an MCL of 100 μg/L to protect consumers from these effects.
How does Chromium (Total) get into tap water?
It enters water systems through the erosion of natural deposits and industrial discharges from steel mills and pulp mills.
How can I remove Chromium (Total) from my water?
You can remove it by using treatment technologies such as coagulation/filtration, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.