EPA Orders Chromium VI Testing in US Tap Water

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance for the careful testing of hexavalent chromium (chromium VI), a probable carcinogen in tap water.

The recommendations came in response to emerging scientific evidence that chromium VI could pose health concerns if consumed over long periods of time, according to the EPA.

A private US environment group, the Environmental Working Group, tested tap water in 35 cities and found chromium VI in 31.

The EPA has adopted a rule of a maximum 0.1mg per litre and urged managers of water systems to have their ground-water sources tested two times a year, and four times a year for systems with surface-water sources.

The agency is providing guidance to all public water systems and encouraging them to consider how they may enhance their monitoring for chromium VI.