Frequently Asked Questions

Hexavalent Chromium is a natural metallic element found in the earth's crust. It can form during the weathering of rocks and sediments that contain chromium 3.

California is the only state in the nation to regulate levels of acceptable hexavalent chromium in the potable water supply. 

In 2024, California tightened their standards on acceptable levels of hexavalent chromium in potable water.

The State of California is requiring municipalities, businesses, and schools, to notify consumers about the updated  standards and the agency's level of compliance with them.

The State of California requires potable water to contain fewer than 10 parts per billion of hexavalent chromium. City of Watsonville water sample results from May 21, 2025 showed levels of hexavalent chromium in the range of 12 to 20 parts per billion across 6 different wells - 2 to 10 parts per billion above the new, stricter, standards. 

The City of Watsonville, and other agencies that do not meet the new standards are required to be compliant by October 1, 2026. This would require agencies to treat, or source water from other agencies who treat it to remove excess hexavalent chromium.

The City of Watsonville is currently working with the State Water Resources Board to address the exceedance in the following ways:

• Conduct a water system evaluation
• Develop a hexavalent chromium treatment alternative analysis
• Pilot test solutions
• Apply for permits and design a project

In the meantime, The City of Watsonville's potable water continues to meet all other State and Federal standards, as affirmed by the City's most recently published Water Quality Report, and continues to be safe for consumption and use. 

Every other state in the country follows the Federal regulation on total chromium, which is set at 100 parts per billion. If you were to compare our water to anywhere outside of California, it would be considered well below the allowable chromium limits.

Note: No other state has a specific hexavalent chromium regulation. Hexavalent chromium is a component of total chromium, which is what the federal EPA regulates, as well as other states. 

The City has been proactive in preparation for the new standards.

Staff have conducted pilot testing to identify the best method of treatment technology to reduce the levels of hexavalent chromium to meet the new California Standard. 

The design process for our selected treatment is currently underway, and we are working with the State to develop an approved compliance plan and schedule.

Yes. Our water continues to have the same quality as always and is safe to drink, cook, and shower with.

Read our most recent Consumer Confidence (Water Quality) Report here.