Chromium in Drinking Water
Inorganic Chemical · MCL: 100 ppb · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Chromium is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 100 ppb. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Chromium above the MCL of 100 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Chromium can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Chromium include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Chromium From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Chromium in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 90-97% removal | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Ion Exchange | 85-95% removal | $300-1000 (whole-house) | NSF/ANSI 53 |
| Activated Carbon Block | Variable | $30-100 | Some NSF 53 |
Reverse Osmosis (RO) — details
Effective for chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium), the more toxic form.
Ion Exchange — details
Strong base anion exchange can reduce chromium-6.
Activated Carbon Block — details
Some specialized carbon blocks are certified for chromium-6. Check specific model certifications.
Water Systems with Chromium Detected
Aqua Pa Main System
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Tucson City Of
Tucson, Arizona
Gilbert, Town Of
Gilbert, Arizona
Provo City
Provo, Utah
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County
Shelton, Connecticut
Glen Burnie-Broadneck
Millersville, Maryland