BSU’s water: constantly tested and consistently safe

News coverage about a recent study of chromium 6 levels in drinking water in 35 U.S. cities prompted some member-customers to call Bonita Springs Utilities with questions about their drinking water. Be assured that chromium is not an issue in our water supply. 

BSU’s water is tested regularly, and no detectable levels of chromium have been recorded throughout the utility’s history. In fact, our drinking water consistently meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements.

Because we expect to hear more about chromium 6 in the news, we are sharing the following background information.

According to the American Water Works Association, chromium is a naturally occurring element found in three main forms in the environment: chromium 0, chromium 3 and chromium 6, also known as hexavalent chromium. Chromium 3 is a nutrient required to metabolize sugars and lipids. Chromium 6, made famous in the movie “Erin Brockovich,” is a suspected carcinogen.
 
Chromium is widely used in manufacturing and can be found in many consumer products such as wood treated with copper dichromate, leather tanned with chromic sulfate and stainless steel cookware. Individuals may be exposed to chromium through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

The AWWA urges us to remember that detecting a substance in the water does not always imply a health risk. The key question is whether the substance presents health concerns at the level it is detected.
 
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued the following statement in response to the chromium study: “EPA absolutely has a drinking water standard for total chromium, which includes chromium 6, and we require water systems to test for it. This standard is based on the best available science and is enforceable by law. Ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans is a top priority for EPA.”

The hexavalent chromium study that prompted recent news coverage was conducted and published by the Environmental Working Group, a not-for-profit group that, according to its website, uses the power of public information to protect public health and the environment.
 
The AWWA, the largest organization of water professionals in the world, advances public health, safety and welfare and unites its members to become better stewards of water.
 
Each March, BSU publishes its Water Quality Report to provide data about the quality of our drinking water. The report explains where our water comes from, what it contains and the risks our water treatment processes are designed to prevent. Charts show some of the substances we test for, the sources of possible contaminants and the results of our tests. Not listed are the hundreds of other compounds, including chromium, for which we test but do not detect.

Informed customers are our best allies in maintaining safe drinking water, and we encourage you to review the report, which is posted annually on our website, www.BSU.us.