Hexavalent Chromium Testing

Huntington Beach, CA, May 25^th, 2022

California’s State Water Resources Control Board recently proposed a standard to specifically target hexavalent chromium (chromium VI) in drinking water supplies throughout the state. The proposed standard of 10 parts per billion (10 ppb) would be the new maximum contaminant level (MCL) if the draft makes it through the public comment period and clears the regulatory process.

A finalized drinking water standard for hexavalent chromium is expected in 2024. At 10 ppb, hundreds of existing wells in California would exceed the MCL based on past tests of wells in operation across the state.

The California Water Boards reported in the past that much of the low level hexavalent chromium found in drinking water is naturally occurring, reflecting its presence in geological formations throughout the state. However, there are areas of contamination in California from historic industrial use, such as the manufacturing of textile dyes, wood preservation, leather tanning and anticorrosion coatings, where hexavalent chromium contaminated waste has migrated into the underlying groundwater.

“If finalized, as expected in just a few years, water suppliers will have to adhere to the new hexavalent chromium standard or face possible daily penalties,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “To help prepare for this proposed standard, LA Testing’s laboratories offer aquatic and other environmental testing services to water companies, utilities, corporations, regulatory agencies and private well owners. Our scientists provide aquatic testing for chemical, biological, radiological and physical contaminants. These tests protect the public and help to keep water providers in regulatory compliance with existing water standards and future requirements.”

To learn more about water testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.