Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
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Chromium 6 is both toxic AND carcinogenic even in tiny dosages. Ingestion through drinking water has shown to promote cancer in the stomach, intestines, and the oral cavity. In addition, drinking chromium 6-contaminated water can cause stomach irritation and toxicity in the liver among other health conditions.
That being said, between the years 2010 and 2015, chromium 6 was detected in samples taken from public water utilities located in all 50 states of the U.S. The findings: Water containing the compound at levels above health guidelines had been served to more than 230 million Americans.
Fortunately, there are water filters that reduce chromium 6 content by as much as 99.85%. Here are the best ones.
On This Page You Will…
Filters | Details | |
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![]() Best for Ease of Use: Clearly Filtered Pitcher | Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Price: $ Type: Pitcher Chromium 6 Reduction: 97.8% NSF: 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
![]() Best for Under Sinks: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage | Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Price: $$ Type: Under Sink Chromium 6 Reduction: 99.4% NSF: 42, 53, 401 Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
![]() Best for Reverse Osmosis Water Purification: AquaTru | Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Price: $$ Type: Countertop RO Chromium 6 Reduction: 97.2% NSF: 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
![]() Best for Countertop/Gravity Filtration: Berkey | Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. |
Price: $$ Type: Gravity Chromium 6 Reduction: 99.85% NSF: 42, 53 Read Review: Click |
![]() Best for Whole House: US Water Purely EZ Chromium 6 Filter | Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. |
Price: $$$ Type: Whole House Chromium 6 Reduction: >85% NSF: – Read Review: Click |
![]() Best for Faucets: Crystal Quest | Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors. Get 5% Off! Use Code: |
Price: $ Type: Faucet Chromium 6 Reduction: Not Specified NSF: – Read Review: Click |
Review Order
In our opinion, the best chromium 6 water filter in the pitcher category in 2023 is the Clearly Filtered. It’s tested to removes more contaminants than any other filter pitcher in the market and is therefore ideal for everyone who wants clean and healthy drinking water for peace of mind. Chromium 6 reduction: 97.8%. Definitely 5 stars!
![]() Clearly Filtered Water Filter Pitcher | |
Price: | $ |
Type of Filter: | Pitcher |
Chromium 6 Reduction: | 97.8% |
NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors.
Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Clearly Filtered is best for people who want a chromium filter pitcher that’s easy to use, highly effective, and affordable.
→ Find Full CF Pitcher Review Here
Our #1 under sink water filter for chromium 6 removal is also manufactured and sold by Clearly Filtered. It’s their 3-stage system. NSF-standardized testing executed by independent and EPA-approved laboratories has shown that the filter can remove more than 230 water contaminants – most importantly chromium 6 obviously: 99.4%.
99.4% reduction makes this under sink system the second most effective chromium 6 water filter on our list. Only the Big Berkey, reviewed further down below, is slightly better in this regard.
Bottom line, there is not a single under sink water filtration system that can beat the Clearly Filtered 3-stage!
![]() Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under-the-Sink System | |
Price: | $$ |
Type of Filter: | Under Sink Water Filter |
Chromium 6 Reduction: | 99.4% |
NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 401 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors.
Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage is best for people who want an under sink water filter that is compact, quick to install, and very effective.
→ Find Full CF 3-Stage Under Sink Review Here
In our opinion, the best chromium 6 filter using reverse osmosis water purification technology is the AquaTru. 5 different NSF certifications testify healthy and great-tasting RO water that is up to 99.99% pure. Chromium 6 filtration is 97.2% – not bad.
Another reason why we like the AquaTru is its plug ‘n’ play feature: The countertop system requires no installation, just a quick assembly. It doesn’t get easier than this!
![]() AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis System | |
Price: | $$ |
Type of Filter: | Reverse Osmosis |
Chromium 6 Reduction: | 97.2% |
NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors.
Get 15% Off! Use Code: |
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The AquaTru is best for people who want a compact RO system that’s installation-free, easy to use, and highly effective at removing chromium 6.
→ View Full AquaTru Review Here
Next on our list is the OptimH2O by Aquasana, our favorite under sink reverse osmosis system. It’s also the best for chromium 6 filtration (97.0% reduction) in its category.
Like the AquaTru reviewed above, the Aquasana OptimH2O is NSF-certified to remove over 80 water contaminants that could be lurking in your water supply causing harm. What’s more, the system remineralizes your water enriching it with calcium, magnesium and other minerals for a more rounded taste and balanced pH.
![]() Aquasana OptimH2O Under Sink RO System | |
Price: | $$ |
Type of Filter: | Reverse Osmosis |
Chromium 6 Reduction: | 97.0% |
NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
Warranty: | 2 Years |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors.
Get Up to 50% Off! Use Code: |
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Aquasana OptimH2O is best for people who want an NSF-certified under sink RO system for guaranteed chromium 6 removal.
→ View Full Aquasana OptimH2O Review Here
As mentioned above, the chromium 6 water filter with the highest removal rate of 99.85%, believe it or not, is the Big Berkey.
As a gravity water filter, the system doesn’t require external water pressure or electricity to function – great for emergency scenarios. Plus, the filtration process not only removes hexavalent chromium but a broad range of water contaminants.
So why is it not our #1 chromium filter overall? Let’s find out!
![]() Berkey Gravity Water Filter | |
Price: | $$ |
Type of Filter: | Gravity |
Chromium 6 Reduction: | 99.85% |
NSF/ANSI: | 42, 53 |
Warranty: | Lifetime |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chromium 6 removal %, price, yearly cost, filter life, NSF standards, product warranty, support, user feedback, our testing, and other factors.
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Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Big Berkey is best for people who want a gravity system capable of filtering chromium 6 that’s highly effective and ideal for regular use and prepping.
→ View Full Big Berkey Review Here
The US Water Purely EZ whole house water filter is the only POE system we could find capable of considerable chromium 6 removal. How much? At least 85% as tested by a certified laboratory in the U.S.
85% is nowhere near perfect, but it’s a good start. We would recommend using the whole house water filter as a first defense against hexavalent chromium. If you combine it with one of the point-of-use filters reviewed above to treat your home water, you will have less to no chromium 6 left in the end product. Above that, chromium 6 can cause skin, eye, and respiratory issues. Thus, it makes sense to have it removed as much as possible from your shower water.
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The US Water Purely EZ is best for whole house chromium 6 water filtration.
The last water filter that removes chromium 6 on our list is the Crystal Quest faucet mount water filter system.
6 filter stages target a plethora of water contaminants, including chromium 6.
Gallery
Other Specs
Key Features & Pros
Cons
Our Rating
Best for
The Crystal Quest is best for chromium 6 filtration using a faucet mounted filter.
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Filter | Price | Yearly Cost | Type | Chromium 6 Reduction | NSF | Filter Media | Filtration Capacity | Warranty | Additional Info |
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Clearly Filtered Pitcher | $ | ~$150 | Filter Pitcher | 97.8% | 42, 53, 244, 401, P473 | Carbon + Composite Shell | 100 Gallons | Lifetime | |
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage | $$ | ~$440 | Under Sink Filter | 99.4% | 42, 53, 401 | Carbon + Proprietary Blend | 2,000 Gallons | Lifetime | |
AquaTru | $$ | ~$100-120 | RO | 97.2% | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 | RO | 600-1,200 Gallons | 1 Year | |
Aquasana OptimH2O | $$ | ~$180-220 | RO | 97.0% | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 | RO | 6 Months to 3 Years | 2 Years | |
Berkey | $$ | ~$55 | Gravity Filter | 99.85% | 42, 53 | Carbon + Ion Exchange | 3,000 Gallons | Life | |
US Water Purely EZ | $$$ | ~$320-630 | POE | >85% | – | Carbon | ? | ? | |
Crystal Quest Faucet Filter | $ | ~$60 | Faucet Water Filter | Yes | – | KDF + Ion Exchange Resin | 2,000 Gallons | 1 Year |
The following are things worth considering before you go out and hunt for the best chromium 6 water filter for your home. These are also the very same criteria we focused on when picking our top products for this guide.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for a water filter capable of removing chromium 6 is NSF/ANSI standard 53 and 58 testing and certifications.
Being a not-for-profit institution, NSF International develops industry standards for water filters among other products. Based on these standards, independent testing organizations such as the WQA (Water Quality Association) test and certify specific water filter models to these standards.
In order to meet said standards, a water filter must be able to reduce the amount of total chromium in water below the current allowed maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 100 ppb – which was defined by the EPA. 100 ppb for total chromium is nowhere near perfect, but it’s something.
You should also compare the specific chromium 6 reduction rates, if available, listed in performance data sheets and lab reports.
By the way, NSF Standard 53 is for regular water filters while standard 58 is for reverse osmosis systems only.
There are several filtration methods suited for chromium 6 removal.
These 4 methods can be found in whole house water filters, under sink systems, water filter pitchers, some countertop units, gravity water filter systems, faucet-mounted water filters, water distillers, and reverse osmosis systems.
It makes sense to also test your water for other contaminants than just chromium 6. Lead for example is one that’s equally dangerous and widespread.
In our opinion, it’s usually best to go with professional lab testing. You can test for literally hundreds of contaminants including disinfection byproducts, pesticides, organics, heavy metals, and so on.
Alternatively, check the last water quality report. Your water utility has to provide you one for free.
If you have your own private well, this is not an option.
What about doing your own testing? It can be a good idea to get a general idea of the type of water contaminants you’re facing, but it might lack the accuracy needed that would allow you to choose the filtration methods best suited for your specific water problem.
Most water filters for chromium 6 are point-of-use systems. Thus, they’re easy to install or might not need any installation at all.
A whole house water filtration system can be more challenging to hook up, but it doesn’t have to be.
The cost for new filter elements should not be underestimated. In the long-term, it’s the predominant factor that decides whether or not you made a good investment
Naturally, affordable and long-lasting replacement filter are to be preferred.
You should never look at the price tag by itself when comparing products like chromium 6 water filters, and we’ve known that for a long time. Our reviewers have many years of experience between them and they’ve gone through many different products. In many cases, small price tags concealed some hidden gems. Likewise, some of the most expensive products on the market turned out to be complete garbage.
For this guide, we worked with a list of important criteria in each review, which allowed us to focus on the most crucial factors about the products we’ve tested. We went over manuals, product descriptions, third party ratings, and various other sources of information to ensure that we didn’t miss anything.
We even contacted some manufacturers ourselves and asked them various questions about their water filters to find out where they stood. Lastly, we ordered various models ourselves so we could personally test them and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
More on Chromium 6 Filters
Chromium 6 a.k.a. hexavalent chromium, chromium(VI) or Cr(VI) is any chemical compound that contains the element chromium in its sixth (6+) oxidation state.
Although chromium 6 only occurs naturally in some areas, it has found its way into basically all our water supply systems as industrial runoff from manufacturing facilities due to leakage, poor storage, or inadequate disposal.
The metal is used in dyes, paints, and inks in leather and textile manufacturing, as an anticorrosion agent in surface coatings – think paints and primers – wood preservation, and electroplating onto metal parts among other applications.
A study performed by the National Toxicology Program found an increase of intestinal and stomach tumors in mice and rats when given chromium-6 in drinking water. Other scientists reported workers exposed to chromium 6 having shown an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Long-term exposure in drinking water can also cause liver damage and harm the reproductive system. On top of that, hexavalent chromium has been linked to
Source: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/hexavalent_chromium.pdf
The Environmental Protection Agency has not set a federal limit for chromium 6 in drinking water to this day. There is only a standard for total chromium, so chromium 3 and chromium 6 combined. This does not mean, however, that chromium 3 and chromium 6 are equally dangerous. In fact, the consumption of chromium 3 does not pose a health risk.
But how about chromium 6? Well, the current allowed maximum contaminant level for total chromium as defined by the EPA is 100 ppb. But, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has set a public health goal for just chromium 6 of 0.02 ppb, which is expected to cause no more than one case of cancer in one million people who drink the water for a lifetime.
0.02 ppb, that’s 0.02 parts per billion or 20 parts per trillion. To put this into perspective, 1 ppb equals about a single drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
In other words, chromium 6 is considered highly dangerous and there’s almost no safe level for the contaminant.
If you want to find out whether or not you are affected by chromium 6 in your water supply, you can look up your water utility in the EWG Tap Water Database. The organization also provides this interactive map showing the counties that have chromium 6 in their tap water.
Please note: Not all counties were tested (marked in gray).
According to the database, the utilities with the highest average chromium 6 concentrations in 2010-2015 were:
Alternatively, you can test a direct water sample yourself using one of the widely available DIY test kits or send it to a professional laboratory.
These guys can help you out. They can test your water sample(s) for hundreds of different chemicals, organics, heavy metals, etc.
In order to achieve the public health goal of 0.02 ppb, you need a very powerful water filter to clean your water of chromium 6 and get anywhere near that threshold. Which, by the way, is the best way to deal with chromium 6 in your water at home: Filtration.
Regular activated carbon filters as they are used in most pitcher, faucet, and countertop units won’t suffice though. What’s needed is either ion exchange resin, reverse osmosis technology, or another specialized filtration methods.
NSF Certifications
Our pro tip: Look out for water filters or systems that have earned NSF certifications that warrant effective chromium 6 reduction.
The chromium 6 reduction rate needs to be specifically stated on the test data, e.g. a lab report. Data on total chromium won’t suffice.
Does reverse osmosis remove hexavalent chromium? It does indeed! And it does one of the best jobs of all available filtration methods. The AquaTru, for example, is NSF Standard 58 certified to remove 97.2% of hexavalent chromium.
Bad news: Neither Brita nor PUR filters are capable of chromium 6 reduction.
At least ZeroWater is NSF Standard 53 certified to reduce the metal by 99.7% on average, thanks to the ion exchange technology opposed to simple carbon filtration.
Nope, boiling water does not really help with chromium 6 removal.
Drinking nothing but bottled water is no guarantee for zero chromium 6 consumption. The carcinogen is already in our groundwater and surface water sources. Also, many bottlers use plain tap water for their products.
What you can (and should) do is carefully read the bottle label. It might state chromium levels. Water that was “purified by reverse osmosis” is also a good sign.
I hope this list of the best chromium 6 water filters was helpful. Questions? Ask away!
And keep in mind: We’ll add new chromium 6 water filter reviews occasionally. So come back for more!