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Chromium
6 is an inorganic chemical that exists in two forms.
Chromium 3 is naturally occurring in food and water
and is a required nutrient. Chromium 6 can naturally
occur in groundwater, but can also enter drinking water
sources through industrial pollution.
News reports
regarding Chromium 6 in drinking water sources in several
local cities have raised concerns about its presence
in our tap water. Communities throughout California
have begun to screen for the compound in their water
supplies. Recently, the State of California has indicated
that the allowable limit for Total Chromium (3 and 6)
may need to be lowered or a specific limit for Chromium
6 may need to be established. However, there is no specific
agreement on the risk from Chromium 6 in water or how
serious the risk might
be.
The levels
of Total Chromium (3 and 6) in Santa Monica's water
sources have always been very low. Last year, we tested
our water sources for the presence of Chromium 6. As
anticipated, we found a range of levels from "None
Detected" to fairly low (1.6 parts per billion).
Until more is known about the actual risks of Chromium
6 in water, Water Division staff will continue to watch
the issue closely and will continue annual
monitoring of the City's water sources.
For more
information call our Water Quality Office at (310) 826-6712.
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