In September of 2016, a tap water database published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed that 20 regions in Florida had drinking water with levels of chromium-6 higher than those deemed safe by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These regions include Sarasota (county and city), Tampa, and Tallahassee, where water from one source tested 75 times the “safe” level! While chromium-6 may not ring a bell, you’re probably familiar with the name of the legal clerk who brought international attention to this dangerous chemical — Erin Brockovich. While working as a clerk at a Los Angeles law firm, she uncovered documents that led to 600+ residents of Hinkley, California, filing a lawsuit against the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company. That lawsuit accused the company of contaminating the community’s drinking water with chromium-6, and it ultimately resulted in a $333 million settlement. Chromium-6 is a known carcinogen […]