Above state standard levels of Hexavalant Chromium found in Watsonville water supply
Mickey Adams
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) notified parents that Watsonville’s water supply showed Hexavalant Chromium levels above the state standard, but the city telling people that its water is still safe.
The water samples showed levels between 12 to 20 parts per billion, which is above the state standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb).
The city says that it is working to address these levels, but stress that this is not an emergency.
While some people who drink water containing an excess of this chemical over years may have an increased risk of cancer.
Watsonville’s water system will not be in violation of regulations until October of 2026, now working with the California Water Resources Control Board for a fix before that deadline.
“Specifically, this includes conducting a water system evaluation, the development of a Cr6+ treatment alternative analysis, pilot testing, permitting, and project design,” according to the City of Watsonville.