Chromium 6 Well Water Contamination (hexavalent chromium)

     The hit film "Erin Brockovich" has increased awareness of the previously unknown cancer causing pollutant chromium 6 to become a household name.  The truth-based movie tale relates the story of a class-action lawsuit that forced San Francisco-based power giant Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to settle with residents of Hinkley, CA, for a record $333 million.  Before there was "Erin Brockovich," the basis for the movie "A Civil Action" was taking place in Woburn, Massachusetts. 

     The state of California is officially investigating chromium 6, which is a known carcinogen when inhaled and can cause other health problems.  Initial water tests have revealed more widespread contamination in California than had been suspected.  However, there is no reason to assume the problem is worse in the Golden State than in other areas where aerospace, shipbuilding, chemical manufacture and other industries have been active.

     From 1993 through 1997, California was not even among the top 10 states in terms of chromium emissions - Pennsylvania and Georgia headed the list for releases into water. The American Water Works Research Foundation in Denver has funded a study this year of national chromium 6 prevalence, and it may be just a matter of time before other communities uncover their own chromium 6 legacies. 

     For removal of chromium 6 in drinking water the preferred method that is highly effective is reverse osmosis (RO).  Reverse osmosis drinking water systems are very reasonably priced and can be easily maintained by the average homeowner. 

See recommended reverse osmosis filter systems for chromium 6 removal in well drinking water.