Rio Linda, CA—The Rio Linda Elverta Community Water District (RLECWD) has issued a notice to customers regarding hexavalent chromium levels in the drinking water that exceed the new state standard. Water sample results received on September 15, 2025, showed a level of 0.012 milligrams per liter (12 ppb), which is above the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.010 milligrams per liter (10 ppb). The new hexavalent chromium MCL became effective on October 1, 2024.
The district stressed that this is not an emergency and that residents do not need to use an alternative water supply. However, it noted that some people who consume water with hexavalent chromium in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of cancer.
What the District is Doing to Address the Issue
The RLECWD is working with the State Water Resources Control Board to address the exceedance and comply with the MCL within a specified timeline. The district has already completed a Hexavalent Chromium Compliance Plan which is currently under review by the State Water Resources Control Board. The plan details the steps the district will take to achieve compliance. According to the notice, the RLECWD anticipates resolving the issue by May 2026.
Key actions the district is taking include:…