Water Replenishment District Takes Lead On Chromium Contamination Study in Southeast L.A. County

The board of directors of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) has approved moving forward on a hexavalent chromium contamination investigation in the north Central Basin.

The WRD is seeking to conduct a hydrogeological study of the nature and extent of hexavalent chromium contamination in the groundwater aquifers in the vicinity of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, and South Gate.

Certain wells in this area have been affected by hexavalent chromium. The wells that contain hexavalent chromium in excess of drinking water standards have been shut down.

Hexavalent chromium can occur naturally in the soil and groundwater. It also can be introduced to the soil and groundwater by improper disposal from various industrial applications.

The WRD manages groundwater for nearly 4 million residents in 43 cities of Southern and Southeastern Los Angeles County. The 420 square mile service area uses about 250,000 acre-feet of groundwater per year, which amounts to 40 percent of total demand for water.

Source: Water Replenishment District of Southern California