California regulators have established the nation’s first drinking water limit for hexavalent chromium, known as chromium-6, which is expected to decrease long-term health risks for consumers. The State Water Resources Control Board unanimously voted to set the limit at 10 parts per billion, requiring water providers to start testing within six months and submit compliance plans for levels that exceed this limit. The rule, if approved by the Office of Administrative Law, could influence other states to adopt similar regulations, as more than 200 million Americans are estimated to have chromium-6 in their drinking water.
Community members and health advocates have expressed concerns that the California drinking water limit for chromium-6 does not provide enough protection against the potent carcinogen. Many argue that the state should aim for a lower limit closer to the public health goal of 0.02 parts per billion, which scientists have deemed as posing little to no health risks. Some chemical industry groups and public water providers have also voiced opposition to the new limit, citing potential financial burdens on customers and disputing the scientific basis for the standard.
Chromium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that can leach from soil into groundwater, and is used in various industrial processes such as electroplating and stainless steel production, leading to contamination in drinking water sources. While previous standards have combined chromium-6 with the less toxic trivalent chromium, California’s new limit specifically targets the toxic form of the metal, addressing concerns raised by ongoing research and public health goals. The state’s environmental health agency is currently reviewing its public health goal for hexavalent chromium, with the aim of setting a limit that aligns with the latest scientific research.
The new limit for chromium-6 in drinking water is based on studies by the National Toxicology Program, which found a link between ingesting the chemical and the development of intestinal and oral cancer in rodents. While some critics have questioned the validity of these studies due to the high concentrations used, the state water board has set a standard that aims to reduce the risks of cancer for consumers. The board plans to review the limit every five years and adjust it as needed based on new research data and public health concerns, ensuring ongoing protection for residents.
The establishment of a drinking water limit for hexavalent chromium marks a significant milestone in the regulation of this toxic compound, with California leading the way in addressing long-standing concerns raised by environmental advocates and the public. The new standard, if finalized, will require water providers to monitor and treat water sources that exceed the 10 parts per billion limit, potentially impacting residents and communities with chronic water contamination issues. While the financial implications and scientific debates surrounding the limit remain contentious, the state is taking steps to protect public health and reduce the risks associated with chromium-6 exposure in drinking water.
