Riverside Ranks High In Chromium-6 Water Contamination

Riverside - The city of Riverside's drinking water has the third-highest concentration in the nation of the chemical chromium-6, according to a report released today by an environmental advocacy organization.

In a nationwide survey of tap water samples from 35 metropolitan areas, the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group found that Riverside's ranked No. 3 in hexavalent chromium content -- or chromium-6 -- translating to 1.69 parts per billion.

The potential harmful effects of the chemical inspired the true-life story "Erin Brockovich," starring Julia Roberts as an environmental activist challenging a California power company over groundwater contamination.

According to the Environmental Working Group, chromium-6 has carcinogenic properties that could lead to a heightened risk of cancer.

Though noting possible health risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not set a federal standard for how much chromium-6 should be permitted in drinking water. But the state of California has proposed a limit of .06 parts per billion.

The Environmental Working Group's study showed Norman, Okla., had the highest levels of chromium-6 -- 12.9 ppb -- followed by Honolulu, at 2 ppb, and Riverside. Madison, Wis., was No. 4, with 1.58 ppb, and San Jose was No. 5 with 1.34 ppb.

Hexavalent chromium is a byproduct of natural soil and rock erosion, but can also result from steel and pulp mill discharge, as well as discharge from metal-plating and leather-tanning facilities, according to the Environmental Working Group.

"The state of California must establish a strong standard for hexavalent chromium in tap water immediately," the EWG study concluded. "A truly health-protective hexavalent chromium regulation will reduce the cancer risk for Californians and serve as a model for the nation."