Environmental Working Group Report Says Chromium-6 Is Widespread in US Tap Water

Laboratory tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG) have detected hexavalent chromium, the carcinogenic “Erin Brockovich chemical,” in tap water from 31 of 35 American cities (including New Haven, CT, and Boston, MA). The EWG report indicates that the measured hexavalent chromium concentrations in parts per billion (ppb) for New Haven was 0.08 and for Boston was 0.03.

According to EWG, at least 74 million Americans in 42 states drink chromium-polluted tap water, much of it likely in the cancer-causing hexavalent form. Given the scope of exposure and the magnitude of the potential risk, EWG has stated that it believes the EPA should move expeditiously to establish a legal limit for chromium-6 and require public water suppliers to test for it.

For more information about this Environmental Working Group report, please visit:

EWG: Chromium-6 – the Erin Brockovich Chemical – Is Widespread in U.S. Tap Water

In response to this report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued the following statement:

“EPA absolutely has a drinking water standard for total chromium, which includes chromium-6 (also known as Hexavalent Chromium), and we require water systems to test for it. This standard is based on the best available science and is enforceable by law. Ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans is a top priority for EPA. The agency regularly re-evaluates drinking water standards and, based on new science on chromium-6, had already begun a rigorous and comprehensive review of its health effects. In September, we released a draft of that scientific review for public comment. When this human health assessment is finalized in 2011, EPA will carefully review the conclusions and consider all relevant information, including the Environmental Working Group’s study, to determine if a new standard needs to be set.”

According to EPA, the total chromium standard is currently 0.1 mg/L (100 parts per billion). The latest EPA data shows that no U.S. utilities are in violation of the standard.

For more information about chromium in drinking water, please visit:

EPA: Basic Information about Chromium in Drinking Water

The ABC News Medical Unit examined the EWG report and some related issues. To access this ABC News report, please visit:

ABC News: Scientists Say No Need for Alarm Over Chromium-6 in Drinking Water (21 DEC 10)