Water systems in Utah have been required to test for total chromium since 1993.
Total chromium measurement is an analysis of two types of chromium, both of which are soluble in water. These are hexavalent chromium (or chrome 6) and trivalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is an essential nutrient; hexavalent chromium is considered a dangerous contaminant.
Hexavalent chromium is not a regulated contaminant in public drinking water systems. The EPA and Utah Division of Drinking Water (DDW) do not require public water systems to sample for hexavalent chromium, and there is no national or State standard for hexavalent chromium at this time. If the EPA decides to research and establish a standard for hexavalent chromium, then the public water systems in Utah will sample as directed to ensure that our water sources meet the new standard.
If you have further questions, please contact Mark Berger (mberger@utah.gov) (801) 641-6457.