Chromium-6 in Drinking Water
Hexavalent chromium (Chromium-6), made famous by Erin Brockovich, is a carcinogenic heavy metal from industrial pollution and natural deposits. Found in water supplies nationwide.
What is Chromium-6?
Hexavalent chromium (Chromium-6 or Cr-6) is a toxic form of chromium used in industrial processes including steel manufacturing, chrome plating, and leather tanning. Unlike safer trivalent chromium (Chromium-3), Chromium-6 is highly toxic and carcinogenic.
Erin Brockovich Case: Hinkley, California case exposed widespread Chromium-6 contamination from Pacific Gas & Electric, causing cancer cluster. Brought national attention to this contaminant.
Health Effects
- • Stomach and intestinal cancer
- • Lung cancer (when inhaled as dust)
- • Liver and kidney damage
- • Allergic skin reactions
- • Respiratory problems
- • Reproductive toxicity
California EPA found 0.02 ppb causes 1-in-1-million cancer risk. EWG study detected Chromium-6 in water supplies serving 250+ million Americans.
EPA & State Limits
EPA regulates total chromium, not specifically toxic Chromium-6. Health advocates argue this is inadequate.
Based on 1-in-1-million cancer risk. Much stricter than federal standard.
Sources & Affected Regions
How It Gets Into Water
- • Steel and pulp mill discharge
- • Chrome plating facilities
- • Leather tanning operations
- • Natural erosion of chromium deposits
- • Cooling towers and industrial processes
High-Risk Areas
- • California (widespread detection)
- • Industrial areas with steel mills
- • Near leather tanning facilities
- • Areas with chromium-rich geology
- • Phoenix, AZ metro area
Testing & Removal
Testing
Request specific Chromium-6 testing (not just total chromium). Cost: $50-150 for EPA-certified lab.
Removal Methods
1. Reverse Osmosis - 95-98% reduction
Most effective home treatment
2. Ion Exchange - 90-95% reduction
Effective with proper regeneration
3. Distillation - 98%+ reduction
Very effective but slow
Note: Standard carbon filters do NOT remove chromium-6 unless specifically certified.