Chromium-6 Contamination

Chromium-6 in South Carolina Drinking Water

Ranked by max chromium-6 detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

0.16 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

151

Health Violations

Analysis

Chromium-6 in South Carolina: what the data shows

South Carolina has 64 cities with chromium-6 data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) was detected in 64 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL for chromium-6 — California's 10 µg/L limit is used as a reference. The state average max detected level is 0.16 µg/L. Chromium-6 occurs naturally in some groundwater aquifers but also from industrial discharge, particularly from steel processing, chrome plating, and leather tanning. It is distinct from trivalent chromium (Cr III), which is an essential nutrient at low doses. The National Toxicology Program and IARC classify chromium-6 as a carcinogen via inhalation; the evidence for drinking water carcinogenicity is strong but regulatory action at the federal level remains pending as of 2026. Reverse osmosis systems effectively remove chromium-6 to near-undetectable levels.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL (CA: 10 µg/L)

South Carolina

100%

64 of 64 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

4005 of 4005 cities

City Map

Chromium-6 data across South Carolina

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 chromium-6 data. Detected cities are shown; there is no federal MCL — California's 10 µg/L limit is used as a reference. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by chromium-6 level in South Carolina

Highest Chromium-6 levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All South Carolina cities ranked by chromium-6 level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Lyman	0.64 µg/L	Detected	2	A+
2	Lexington	0.40 µg/L	Detected	55	F
3	Winnsboro	0.30 µg/L	Detected	7	C+
4	New Ellenton	0.28 µg/L	Detected	3	B+
5	Camden	0.28 µg/L	Detected	7	B+
6	Spartanburg	0.27 µg/L	Detected	2	A
7	Fort Lawn	0.27 µg/L	Detected	7	B+
8	North Augusta	0.26 µg/L	Detected	13	B+
9	Easley	0.25 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
10	Lancaster	0.24 µg/L	Detected	33	B+
11	Orangeburg	0.24 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
12	Westminster	0.24 µg/L	Detected	8	C-
13	Dalzell	0.23 µg/L	Detected	7	B-
14	Woodruff	0.22 µg/L	Detected	5	A-
15	Graniteville	0.22 µg/L	Detected	3	A-
16	Laurens	0.20 µg/L	Detected	17	B-
17	Belton	0.20 µg/L	Detected	13	B
18	Seneca	0.20 µg/L	Detected	0	A
19	Chesnee	0.20 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
20	Cayce	0.20 µg/L	Detected	2	A-
21	Conway	0.19 µg/L	Detected	14	C+
22	Chesterfield	0.19 µg/L	Detected	10	A-
23	York	0.18 µg/L	Detected	65	F
24	Walhalla	0.18 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
25	Rock Hill	0.17 µg/L	Detected	45	F
26	West Columbia	0.17 µg/L	Detected	87	F
27	Inman	0.17 µg/L	Detected	1	A
28	Tega Cay	0.16 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
29	Okatie	0.15 µg/L	Detected	7	B+
30	Florence	0.15 µg/L	Detected	3	B+
31	Hilton Head Island	0.14 µg/L	Detected	4	B-
32	Lugoff	0.14 µg/L	Detected	13	B+
33	Anderson	0.13 µg/L	Detected	15	C+
34	Cassatt	0.13 µg/L	Detected	4	A
35	Pickens	0.13 µg/L	Detected	7	B+
36	Columbia	0.12 µg/L	Detected	80	F
37	North Myrtle Beach	0.12 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
38	Fort Jackson	0.12 µg/L	Detected	8	A-
39	Newberry	0.12 µg/L	Detected	28	C
40	Ridge Spring	0.12 µg/L	Detected	3	A
41	Myrtle Beach	0.11 µg/L	Detected	17	B-
42	Aiken	0.11 µg/L	Detected	11	D
43	Greenwood	0.11 µg/L	Detected	14	C
44	Bennettsville	0.10 µg/L	Detected	56	B
45	Dillon	0.10 µg/L	Detected	2	A
46	Darlington	0.10 µg/L	Detected	6	B+
47	Johns Island (Sta.)	0.09 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
48	Moncks Corner	0.08 µg/L	Detected	6	B-
49	Gaffney	0.08 µg/L	Detected	12	C+
50	Carlisle	0.08 µg/L	Detected	15	B
51	Charleston	0.08 µg/L	Detected	5	B+
52	Summerville	0.08 µg/L	Detected	22	C+
53	Sumter	0.08 µg/L	Detected	15	D
54	Union	0.08 µg/L	Detected	14	B+
55	La France	0.08 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
56	North Charleston	0.07 µg/L	Detected	0	B
57	Goose Creek	0.07 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
58	Clemson	0.07 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
59	Six Mile	0.07 µg/L	Detected	1	A+
60	Greenville	0.06 µg/L	Detected	9	A
61	Pawleys Island	0.06 µg/L	Detected	13	B-
62	West Anderson	0.06 µg/L	Detected	1	A
63	Mount Pleasant	0.06 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
64	Greer	0.04 µg/L	Detected	3	A

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about chromium-6 in South Carolina

Is chromium-6 in South Carolina tap water dangerous?

Chromium-6 (hexavalent chromium) is a potential human carcinogen. There is currently no federal MCL — California's 10 µg/L limit is the most protective US standard. 64 cities in South Carolina had detectable chromium-6 in UCMR 3 testing (2013–2015). Reverse osmosis is the most effective removal method.

Where does chromium-6 come from in South Carolina water?

Chromium-6 enters water supplies from two main sources: natural weathering of chromium-containing rock formations (especially in the Southwest and parts of the Midwest) and industrial discharge from steel mills, chrome plating, and coal ash sites. Groundwater systems are more commonly affected by natural sources, while surface water systems near industrial areas face pollution-related risks.

How can I filter chromium-6 from my water in South Carolina?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective, removing over 95% of chromium-6. Some high-quality activated alumina or anion exchange filters also provide significant reduction. Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters are generally NOT effective against chromium-6. Look for filters certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI 58 (for RO systems).

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