Chromium-6: What Customers Should Know

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On October 2024, California adopted a more stringent drinking water standard for chromium-6, impacting water agencies across much of California, including Indio Water Authority (IWA). IWA wants to assure customers that although these regulations are in place, all drinking water remains safe to drink and safe for all household uses.

Blue pipeline infrastructure at the Coachella Valley CR6 treatment facility used for hexavalent chromium water treatment

Since 2015, IWA has been addressing chromium-6 and became the first water agency in the Coachella Valley to implement treatment. By monitoring groundwater conditions and evaluating treatment options ahead of regulatory deadlines, IWA has positioned itself to respond proactively and responsibly to the new state standards.

Today, IWA is addressing chromium-6 through a comprehensive, planned approach that’s designed to protect public health while maintaining reliable water service. This approach balances:

Public Health Protection

Regulatory Compliance

System Reliability

Long-term Affordability

On January 7, 2025, IWA submitted a Compliance Plan to the State of California Water Resources Control Board. The plan outlines IWA’s comprehensive strategy and implementation timeline to meet the Chromium-6 drinking water standard while continuing to deliver safe, and reliable water service.

As this work continues, IWA will keep customers informed every step of the way through notices, FAQs, and informational handouts.

Learn More and Stay Informed

Chromium-6 information brochure cover (English) Chromium-6 Information Brochure This brochure provides a clear, easy-to-understand overview of chromium-6, why California adopted a new drinking standard, and the steps IWA is taking to address it while maintaining safe, reliable water service. Download the brochure in English or Spanish.

Chromium-6 Customer Notice flyer Official Customer Notice This notice includes the regulatory information required by the State of California, along with details about chromium-6 monitoring, treatment planning, and customer notification requirements. Download the customer notice.

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FAQs

Could chromium-6 treatment significantly increase water rates?

While long-term financial modeling is still underway, IWA is carefully evaluating different funding and phasing scenarios to limit rate impacts. Any potential rate adjustments would be considered only after thorough financial analysis, public notice, and full compliance with Proposition 218 requirements, including community input.
Do schools, rental property operators and business owners need to take any specific actions?

These customers are legally required to provide this notice under California Health & Saf. Code,
'' 116450, subd. (g); 116650, subd. (e) within 10 days of receiving a notice. Schools must notify employees, students, and parents. Rental property owners and managers must notify residents, and businesses must notify employees. If you fail to notify the above people, you shall be civilly liable up to $1,000 per day for each day that you fail to notify them.
Is my water safe to drink?

Yes. All wells operated and monitored by IWA, currently meet federal drinking standards of 100 ppb. Although, 13 out of 20 wells fall outside the scope of the state's updated regulation of 10 ppb, the water remains safe to drink.

IWA continues to closely monitor and maintain its wells and will immediately notify customers if an emergency ever occurs.
Is this an emergency?

No. If this issue posed any immediate threat to customers, IWA would have notified you immediately. As our customers, you have a right to know what you should do, what happened, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
Is this unique to IWA's service area?

No. Chromium-6 naturally occurs throughout much of California, including communities across the Coachella Valley. Numerous water agencies statewide are working to meet the new chromium-6 drinking water standards.
What are the health impacts of chromium-6?
Some people who drink water containing chromium-6 above the state drinking water standard over many years, may have an increased risk of getting cancer. Short-term exposure does not pose an immediate health risk. To learn more about the health impacts, visit these websites:
What has IWA already done to treat chromium-6?

In 2015, IWA became the first agency in the Coachella Valley to design, construct and bring online chromium-6 treatment facilities using ion-exchange technology. These initial systems currently treat three wells with forthcoming plans to address the remaining untreated wells.

In 2022, IWA completed the Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6) Treatment Roadmap. In early 2023, IWA completed the Compliance Strategy for the proposed MCL. By late 2023, IWA completed the Conceptual Design Report for the Cr6 Removal using Reduction Coagulation Filtration (RCF). In 2024, IWA completed the RCF Pilot Testing at Well W to demonstrate effluent water quality parameters to Valley Sanitary District.
What is IWA's plan for addressing all affected wells?

IWA is actively working on developing a comprehensive, three-phase plan to upgrade existing systems and construct new ion-exchange treatment facilities for all wells affected by chromium-6. Once funding is secured and design begins, the project is expected to take approximately ten years to complete, with construction occurring in phases to minimize service disruptions and ensure compliance with state drinking standards.
What should I do?

You do not need to use an alternative water supply, such as bottled water, or install a filtration system. If you have personal health concerns consuming this water, you may wish to consult your doctor.
What steps do these organizations need to follow to provide notifications?

These customers can provide notice by sending an Email message to employees or students, posting in conspicuous public places or on the internet.
What to know about chromium-6?

Chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium, is a naturally occurring metallic element found in the groundwater aquifers beneath the Coachella Valley. It can form through the erosion of certain rocks and minerals, through stormwater runoff, or as a byproduct of some industrial activities.

In October 2024, the California State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water established strict new limits on chromium-6 levels. When tests indicate providers exceed 10 parts per billion (ppb), they must notify customers.

View the most recent Chromium-6 notice provided to IWA customers.
What will it cost for IWA to meet California's chromium-6 drinking water standard?

IWA has developed a comprehensive, three-phase compliance program to address Chromium-6 in all affected wells. Based on planning, pilot testing and preliminary design work completed to date, the total cost is estimated at $130 million.

Final costs will depend on treatment design, construction phasing, regulatory approvals, and the availability of state and federal funding. IWA will continue to refine cost estimates as the program advances to ensure responsible, long-term planning.
Why did I receive a notice about chromium-6?

All IWA customers receive this notice because recent testing detected chromium-6 levels slightly above California's new drinking water standard of 10 ppb. State law requires IWA to inform customers and property owners whenever results exceed that limit. This requirement remains in place until treatment solutions are implemented and meet approved compliance plan deadlines.

We will continue to keep customers informed about the project as it moves forward and notify them of any updates.

More FAQs

Have questions or need more information?

Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact IWA directly for additional information or assistance.

Phone: (760) 391 4038
Office: 83-101 Avenue 45, Indio, CA 92201

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6) treatment facility showing a large water storage tank, treatment and pump building, and connecting pipelines used to remove contaminants from groundwater before distribution.