Cr
Chromium (total)
heavy metalSDWA code: 1020
EPA Limit (MCL)
100.000 ppb (0.1 mg/L)
Health Goal (MCLG)
100.000 ppb (0.1 mg/L)
Unit of Measure
mg/L
How concentrations are reported
The MCL covers total chromium. Chromium-6 (hexavalent) is more toxic; California has set a separate 10 ppb standard for Cr-6.
Health Effects
Allergic dermatitis. Chromium-6 (hexavalent) is a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors.
How It Gets Into Water
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits. Chromium-6 also from industrial discharge and natural erosion.
Official EPA Guidance
For authoritative information on Chromium (total)in drinking water, visit the EPA's official resource page.
View EPA Guidance ↗