Chromium

A report released by the Environmental Working Group on December 20, 2010, spurred national interest in chromium in drinking water. Fairfax Water wanted to take the opportunity to answer some of the most common questions regarding the topic.

What is chromium?
Chromium is the 24th element on the periodic table. It is a naturally occurring metal found in soils, plants, rocks, water, and animals.

There are two common forms: Chromium III and Chromium VI.

• Chromium III is an essential human dietary element found in vegetable, meats, fruits, grains and yeast.
   

• Chromium VI, also known as hexavalent chromium, is generally produced by industrial processes such as steel manufacturing and pulp mills. It can also be generated by converting natural deposits of chromium III to chromium VI.

Has Fairfax Water tested for hexavalent chromium (chromium VI)?
Yes. Fairfax Water has conducted testing for hexavalent chromium in our raw (untreated) and finished (treated) waters.

Results of the monitoring program can be found here.