What Is Chromium-6 and Why Is It in Our Water? Here’s How The Clean Water Company Can Help.
By The Clean Water Company | www.dontdrinkyourwater.com
Chromium-6 in Tap Water: What You Need to Know
You’ve probably heard of Chromium-6 before—but not in a good way. Made famous by Erin Brockovich, this cancer-causing chemical has been detected in the tap water of millions of Americans, including right here in California. And the truth is, it’s still a serious issue.
At The Clean Water Company, we believe you have the right to know what's in your water—and what you can do about it. Here’s what you need to know about Chromium-6, how it ends up in your home, and how our filtration systems are designed to help.
What Is Chromium-6?
Chromium-6, or hexavalent chromium, is a toxic heavy metal. It’s used in a variety of industrial applications including steel production, leather tanning, wood preservation, and chrome plating. While Chromium-3 is a naturally occurring and essential nutrient, Chromium-6 is a man-made version that poses major health risks—even in extremely low concentrations.
How Does Chromium-6 Get into the Water Supply?
There are two primary ways Chromium-6 ends up in your tap water:
Industrial Discharge: Facilities that work with stainless steel, dyes, plastics, or electroplating often release Chromium-6 as waste. Inadequate treatment allows it to seep into groundwater or surface water.
Natural Erosion: In some areas, Chromium-6 leaches from underground rock formations. This is more common in regions with specific geology, like parts of California.
Once in the water supply, Chromium-6 is difficult to remove with standard municipal treatment. Even when cities comply with legal limits, those limits may not be as protective as you think.
Health Risks of Chromium-6
Chromium-6 is classified as a known carcinogen when inhaled and a probable human carcinogen when ingested through drinking water. Health risks include:
Stomach and intestinal cancer
Liver and kidney damage
Reproductive issues
Allergic reactions and skin rashes
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends a public health goal of 0.02 parts per billion (ppb) for Chromium-6 in drinking water. Compare that to California’s legal limit: 10 ppb. The gap between what's legal and what's safe is staggering.
Where Are Chromium-6 Levels Highest?
Several communities in California show elevated levels of Chromium-6 in their water supplies. Notable hotspots include:
Hinkley, CA: The town at the center of the Erin Brockovich case.
Rialto and San Bernardino County: Industrial pollution and old military sites contribute to contamination.
Lancaster and Palmdale: Naturally occurring Chromium-6 in groundwater aquifers.
Simi Valley & Moorpark: Detected levels above the national average, due to both natural geology and upstream industrial sources.
If you're in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, or nearby areas—there's a good chance Chromium-6 is in your tap water.
How We Can Help
At The Clean Water Company, we provide advanced water filtration solutions that target Chromium-6 at the point of entry and the point of use.
✅ Whole Home Water Filtration Systems
Our high-capacity filtration systems reduce a broad range of contaminants, including heavy metals, chlorine, VOCs, and more. While whole home filters provide general protection, Chromium-6 requires an additional layer of defense.
✅ Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
Reverse Osmosis is one of the most effective technologies for removing Chromium-6. Installed under your kitchen sink, our RO units can reduce this contaminant to virtually undetectable levels, delivering crisp, clean drinking water straight from your tap.
How You Can Use RO Water in Your Home
Our RO systems aren’t just for drinking—here are common ways families use them every day:
Drinking water: Fill your glass, pitcher, or water bottles with safe, fresh-tasting water.
Cooking: Use RO water for boiling pasta, rinsing vegetables, making soup, or brewing coffee and tea—so you’re not cooking with contaminants.
Baby formula: RO water offers added peace of mind for families mixing infant formula or preparing baby food.
Ice cubes: Connect your RO system to your fridge or ice maker to ensure even your ice is contaminant-free.
Pet water bowls: Give your pets the same clean water you enjoy.
It’s a simple upgrade that delivers healthier water throughout your daily routine.
Get Peace of Mind—Backed by Real Filtration Power
Your tap water may look clear, but what’s in it could be harming your health. Chromium-6 is invisible, odorless, and dangerous in even tiny amounts.
Let us help you reclaim control of your water.
Visit www.dontdrinkyourwater.com to learn more or request a free water quality consultation.
Clean water isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. Let’s make sure your home has it.
– The Clean Water Company
