Low Levels of Carcinogen Chromium-6 in New England Drinking Water
Credit: Tim Geers/Creative Commons
The carcinogen often referred to as the “Erin Brockovich chemical” is present in about two-thirds of the drinking water across the country, according to water testing data from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Low levels of chromium-6 have been found in drinking water in New England, including in Vermont. The federal government recognizes that even at low levels it can be harmful, but the EPA has not yet set an enforceable drinking water standard for states to follow. One challenge to treating drinking water in New England is it’s hard to tell where the chromium-6 is coming from.