Tap Water Chromium Screening Services

The National Toxicology Program and US EPA have concluded independently that hexavalent chromium (the “Erin Brockovich chemical”) in drinking water shows “clear evidence of carcinogenic activity” in laboratory animals, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal tumors.

The US EPA currently regulates hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) under the total chromium drinking water standard of 100 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

In 2011, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) set a public health goal of 20ppb hexavalent chromium.  California has since implemented a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10ppb for hexavalent chromium, with other states like New Jersey following suit.

Laboratory tests commission by Environmental Working Group detected Cr6 in 31 of 35 American cities tested – or 89%.  The highest levels were found in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and California cities.

Cr6 can occur in drinking water in two ways: 1) from the water source, or 2) from plumbing.  Plumbing most susceptible to leaching Cr6 is cast iron, steel, or stainless steel, particularly when in contact with disinfectant (chlorine).  There are two types of sample collection: 1) first draw and 2) flushed.  First draw – best collected first thing in the morning after water has rested in the pipes – captures both source water contamination and plumbing contamination; it is the worst-case scenario.

If you wish to differentiate between source and plumbing contamination, you will collect 2 samples, one for first draw and one for flushed.

If you wish to determine the efficacy of a filtration system, you will collect 2 samples, one for source water and one for filtered.

Total Chromium screening is offered since some jurisdictions regulate total chromium (chiefly hexavalent chromium Cr6 + trivalent chromium Cr3).  It should be noted that Cr3 is sold in pharmacies as a dietary supplement to promote healthy metabolism and blood sugar regulation (here is a webMD article about dietary trivalent chromium).  If your concern is regulatory in nature, total chrome may be the appropriate screening.  If health is your concern, choose a Cr6 screening.

HexChecks’ sample collection kits includes sample collection vials, collection instructions, and return shipping label.  Results are delivered electronically within two days of sample receipt and includes insights and recommendations.