Inorganic
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) in your water
Is Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) in drinking water dangerous?
It depends on the level and how long you're exposed. The EPA has set no federal legal limit for Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium). Meeting the legal limit isn't the same as zero risk — test your water to know your level.
How do you remove Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) from water?
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) is treated by Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis. Choose a system independently certified to NSF/ANSI standards to reduce Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium), and test your water first to confirm the level.
Source: EPA MCL / MCLG; WHO guidelines; NSF/ANSI · 2026
Health effects
Chromium-6 is the more toxic form of chromium, entering water from industrial pollution and from natural rock. Drinking it over time is linked to an increased risk of cancer. There is no separate federal limit - it is covered only under the broader total-chromium standard.
The health-based goal vs. the legal limit
The federal legal limit (MCL) is the maximum allowed by law. The EPA health goal (MCLG) is the level below which no health risk is expected — it is non-enforceable and often stricter than the legal limit.
EPA health goal (MCLG)
No federal health goal set
Federal legal limit (MCL)
No federal limit set
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (MCL / MCLG) · 2026
What removes Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Ion exchange
Water Softener
Swaps the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water for sodium — so scale stops forming.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 44 certification
How it works→Semipermeable membrane filtration
Reverse Osmosis
Pushes water through a fine membrane that removes the dissolved solids most filters miss.
Look for: NSF/ANSI 58 certification
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Is Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium) in your water?
Check your city's public record, then book a free 30-minute test to confirm what's in your home.