Chromium (total)
metal
Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits.
EPA regulatory status
Legal limit (MCL)
0.1 mg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0.1 mg/L
MCL 0.1 mg/L (100 ppb) for total chromium. MCLG = 0.1 mg/L. This is the federal limit that covers hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), which has no separate federal MCL.
Health effects
Long-term exposure to total chromium is associated with allergic dermatitis. See chromium-6 for hexavalent-specific concerns.
This is general public-health information, not medical advice — consult your physician with any health concerns.
National violations
36,387
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 36,387 violations of Chromium (total)'s rule nationally.
How to remove Chromium (total)
Frequently asked questions
What is Chromium (total)?
Chromium (total) is a metal regulated in US drinking water. Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits.
What is the legal limit for Chromium (total) in drinking water?
MCL 0.1 mg/L (100 ppb) for total chromium. MCLG = 0.1 mg/L. This is the federal limit that covers hexavalent chromium (chromium-6), which has no separate federal MCL.
What health effects does Chromium (total) have?
Long-term exposure to total chromium is associated with allergic dermatitis. See chromium-6 for hexavalent-specific concerns.
How many violations of Chromium (total) limits are on record nationally?
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 36,387 violations of Chromium (total)'s rule nationally.
How do I remove Chromium (total) from my water?
Filter technologies certified to reduce Chromium (total) include: reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58), activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53). Look for a filter independently certified against the specific NSF/ANSI standard for this contaminant — general "reduces contaminants" marketing claims are not the same as a contaminant-specific certification.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations · Data as of 2026-07-16