Tests raise concern about drinking water in St. Louis area

ST. LOUIS -- Unacceptably high levels of chromium-6, a likely carcinogenic chemical, have been found in St. Louis-area drinking water, but health officials said the water is not dangerous.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch cited a report released this week by the Washington-based Environmental Working Group. It found Missouri American Water Co., which serves customers in St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson counties, had the second-highest average of chromium-6, based on 40 samples taken across the country from 2013 to 2015.

But Dr. Faisal Khan, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, said chromium-6 levels are at just a fraction of the limits that would require action.

Missouri American Water said its water meets or surpasses quality standards, "including those set for chromium."