GCWW Assures Public Local Water Is Safe Following National Report on Hexavalent Chromium

CINCINNATI – Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) is reasserting its commitment to protecting the public’s health and Greater Cincinnati’s source water in light of a new report indicating drinking water across the country may contain a potentially hazardous chemical compound.

The revamped efforts by GCWW come after a report released Tuesday, Sept. 20 by the environmental research and advocacy group Environmental Working Group found concentrations of hexavalent chromium, a potential carcinogen, in various public drinking water systems nationwide.

Several years ago GCWW specifically tested for hexavalent chromium. At that time, the Utility found only trace levels (below 0.5 parts per billion (ppb)) in some samples and it was not a concern for our drinking water.

That amount is well below the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level for total chromium of 100 ppb. The EPA number serves as the nationwide enforcement standard. The numbers were also 20 times less than the State of California regulatory standard maximum of 10 parts per billion. There is no Ohio standard for hexavalent chromium.

As a point of reference, the report indicates that a single part per billion is roughly equivalent to a drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

“We have no reason to believe there are higher levels of hexavalent chromium in our finished water, but we are collecting additional samples to be sure the levels remain low,” said GCWW Director Cathy Bailey. “None of our results to date have shown levels of concern.”

GCWW wants to reassure local residents that protecting our source water is its top priority. The Utility’s water quality experts test the water more than 600 times a day throughout the water treatment and distribution process to ensure its safety. Electronic monitors are used to constantly assess the water flow and pressure throughout the distribution system to make sure the water is of the highest quality.

“We will continue to monitor to ensure levels do not increase,” added Bailey. “GCWW is committed to providing drinking water that maximizes public health and minimizes potential health risks.

Below you will find additional information about the Greater Cincinnati Water Works testing process as well as FAQ regarding hexavalent chromium.

Potential Questions (FAQ)

What is Chromium?
Chromium naturally occurs in rocks, animals, plants and soil.
There are two types of Chromium:
Chromium (3) is an essential nutrient for the body.
Chromium (6) is generally used or produced in industrial processes.

 

How does Chromium get into the water?

Water sources can be affected by Chromium (6) naturally, or through contamination from industrial centers, landfills, and improper discharge of industrial processing.

 

Is GCWW testing for Chromium (6) in the water?
Yes. GCWW is committed to protecting the public’s health. The current national drinking water standard, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), for total Chromium is 100 parts per billion (ppb).  The California regulatory standard for Chromium (6) is 10 ppb.  All of our results have been well below both of these levels.

How often does GCWW test for Chromium now?
Greater Cincinnati Water Works performs more than 600 tests a day throughout the treatment and distribution system for many substances including total Chromium.  Extensive sampling and testing specifically for Chromium (6) was conducted in the past, and GCWW is in the process of testing and updating those results.  None of our results to date have shown levels of concern.
 

What levels were detected?
Trace level detections were below 0.5 ppb
(20 times less than the California regulatory standard.)
 

What are the health concerns?
The state of California has a Public Health Goal for Chromium (6) of 0.02 parts per billion.  It is important to note that a Public Health Goal is based on long-term or chronic exposure.  (For example, if one-million people drank a half-gallon of water each day for 70 years, less than 1 person would be expected to develop cancer.)

California has also set a regulatory limit which takes into account health effects as well as other considerations such as capability to detect the compound and ability to treat for it.  California’s regulatory limit is 10 ppb. 

GCWW looks to multiple sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to understand environmental health effects.  The EPA has the responsibility to evaluate health effects for substances in the environment, and is ultimately charged with developing health-based regulations for drinking water.  They have a very thorough process for evaluating health effects.  We look for their guidance to help us understand this and all health issues.