1. Home
  2. Water
  3. Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water

Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water

On November 21, 2023, OEHHA released a draft document describing a proposed health-protective concentration (HPC) for noncancer effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in drinking water for public comment. The 45-day public comment ended on January 8, 2024.

Public Workshop

Dec 29, 2023

January 8, 2024, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Coastal Hearing Room, CalEPA Building
1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95812

OEHHA held a hybrid workshop on January 8, 2024, to provide the public with an opportunity to hear, ask questions and provide public comment about the risk assessment for the noncancer health-protective concentration for hexavalent chromium in drinking water.

First Review Draft

Nov 21, 2023

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is announcing the availability of a draft document describing a proposed health-protective concentration (HPC) for noncancer effects of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in drinking water, as part of the update to the Cr(VI) Public Health Goal (PHG).

The comment period begins on November 24, 2023 and is scheduled to end on January 8, 2024.  Also, on January 8, 2024 will host a public workshop on the draft technical document.  More information on the workshop is in the link to the Notice below:

Second Data Call-In For The Hexavalent Chromium Public Health Goal Update

March 27, 2023

OEHHA requested information for consideration in completing the update of the Public Health Goal (PHG) for hexavalent chromium, or Cr(VI).

On October 28, 2016, OEHHA announced the initiation of the PHG update for Cr(VI) pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 116365(e)(1), and provided interested parties the opportunity for submission of information for consideration by OEHHA in updating the PHG .

In addition to information submitted in response to this data call-in, OEHHA’s PHG evaluation will consider the studies cited in US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2022 draft toxicological review of Cr(VI), information previously submitted in response to the 2016 data call-in, and studies identified in OEHHA literature searches.

First Data Call-In For The Hexavalent Chromium Public Health Goal Update

Oct 28, 2016

OEHHA announced the initiation of PHG updates and a data call-in for hexavalent chromium, among other chemicals, on October 28, 2016.

Background on the PHG Program

The Calderon-Sher California Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 (Health and Safety Code section 116365), hereafter referred to as the Act, requires OEHHA to post a notice on its website when it initiates work to develop or update PHGs.  PHGs are concentrations of chemicals in drinking water that are not anticipated to produce adverse health effects.  OEHHA is required to consider potential adverse effects on members of sensitive subgroups of the population, including infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with a history of serious illness.

PHGs are nonregulatory in nature but are used as the health basis for SWRCB to establish the state's primary drinking water standards or MCLs.  At the initial posting of a draft document, OEHHA provides a 45-day public comment period.  OEHHA also conducts a public workshop to receive public comments and engage in dialogue with interested parties on the draft document.  An external scientific peer review is then conducted as required by Health and Safety Code section 116365(c)(3)(D).  OEHHA considers all relevant comments in the preparation of a revised draft, which is posted for a 30-day public comment period.  After consideration of any additional comments, the PHG is finalized and posted on the OEHHA website for public reference and for use by SWRCB in developing California MCLs.

All PHGs and their supporting documents are available on OEHHA's website.

Link to Public Comments

Comment Submissions - Announcement of Availability of a Draft Technical Support Document for Proposed Health-Protective Concentration for Noncancer Effects of Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water

Comment Submissions - Announcement of Second Data Call-In For The Hexavalent Chromium Public Health Goal Update

Downloads