Chromium-6 in South Lake Tahoe, CA Drinking Water
Chromium-6 data for South Lake Tahoe, California · 107,415 residents · 8 ZIP codes
Within South Lake Tahoe, California, Chromium-6 has been detected in water samples drawn from the public supply — the results are part of the official EPA compliance record for systems here.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Chromium-6 in South Lake Tahoe Tap Water
Chromium-6 has been detected in South Lake Tahoe, California drinking water at a maximum level of 600 ppb — 6x the EPA MCL.
This analysis covers 107,415 residents across 8 ZIP codes in South Lake Tahoe.
South Lake Tahoe's overall water quality grade is B (79/100).
Is Chromium-6 in South Lake Tahoe Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or strong-base anion exchange filter certified under NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Chromium-6 Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Chromium-6 Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96150 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96151 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96152 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96154 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96155 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96156 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96157 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
| 96158 | 600 ppb | 100 ppb (total chromium MCL) | Exceeds limit |
Average chromium-6 level across South Lake Tahoe: 600 ppb
Health Effects of Chromium-6
- Stomach and intestinal cancer (likely carcinogen via ingestion)
- Known carcinogen when inhaled
- Liver and kidney damage
- Reproductive and developmental harm
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
How Chromium-6 Gets Into Drinking Water
- Industrial discharge from steel and pulp mills
- Natural erosion of chromium deposits
- Coal ash disposal sites
- Cooling tower discharge
What to Do About Chromium-6 in South Lake Tahoe Water
- Reverse osmosis systems are most effective
- Strong-base anion exchange can reduce chromium-6
- Standard carbon filters are NOT effective for chromium-6
- Look for NSF 58 certification
Look for filters certified under NSF 58 for chromium-6 removal.