Rescue Engineers has announced new investment to expand operational capacity in California as utilities prepare to meet updated hexavalent chromium compliance requirements. The company, a provider of reduction, coagulation and filtration (RCF) water treatment systems, is increasing resources to support public water utilities facing regulatory deadlines for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)).
In 2024, the California State Water Resources Control Board lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for hexavalent chromium in drinking water to 10 parts per billion. The compliance schedule requires systems serving more than 10,000 connections to meet the standard by 1 October 2026, followed by smaller systems in 2027 and 2028.
Hexavalent chromium compliance deadlines drive treatment upgrades
Hexavalent chromium compliance is placing increased pressure on drinking water providers across California to upgrade or install treatment systems capable of reliably reducing Cr(VI) concentrations to below regulatory thresholds.
Hexavalent chromium, which can occur naturally in groundwater or result from industrial activity, is classified as a human carcinogen. The updated standard reflects California’s long-standing leadership in regulating contaminants in drinking water.
With deadlines approaching for larger utilities, infrastructure planning, procurement and commissioning schedules are tightening. Treatment providers with established field performance and commissioning experience are expected to play a central role in supporting compliance.
RCF technology for hexavalent chromium compliance
Rescue Engineers, founded in 1978, has more than four decades of experience designing and commissioning potable water treatment systems using reduction, coagulation and filtration processes. Over the past twenty years, the company reports more than 100 installations addressing contaminants including arsenic, iron, manganese and turbidity.
The company states that its purpose-built RCF systems are designed to respond to the chemistries commonly found in California groundwater, including treatment approaches aligned with hexavalent chromium compliance requirements.
Javier Rios at Linda County Water District said: “The RCF treatment system we purchased from Rescue Engineers performs as intended. We are enjoying reliable treatment and meeting all our original water quality goals.”
Bob Gilmore of Rescue Engineers said: “Practical engineering solves real problems. We support California’s public utilities by delivering systems that perform and stand the test of time. As state regulations of hexavalent chromium advance and utilities face new pressure, we are proud to support the industry achieving compliance and bring forward proven solutions built for the varied chemistries of California water.”
For more coverage on drinking water regulation and treatment technologies, visit our Water Treatment section.
