A recent study by the Environmental Working Group  (EWG) has found hexavalent chromium (also called Chromium 6) in many drinking water supplies across the United States.  Hexavalent chromium is not regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and testing is not required by either agency. California has issued a proposed non-enforceable public health goal of 60 nanograms per liter (60 parts per trillion).

EWG’s study results show  that MWRA’s drinking water is well below the proposed California Health Standard. MWRA’s well protected watersheds contain none of the sources of  hexavalent chromium, and therefore we would not expect to find levels of  concern. MWRA will continue to closely follow any new research and regulations  with regard to hexavalent chromium and other potential contaminants.

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Posted December 20, 2010
Updated December 20, 2010