In June 2023, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB, or Board) issued an updated draft maximum contaminant level (MCL) for hexavalent chromium (Cr-6). The updated MCL incorporates new approaches for evaluating the economic feasibility and affordability of the proposed regulation.
This report presents and applies a framework that evaluates the State’s assessment of affordability challenges. The goal is to ensure that financial support will be available to Community Water Systems (CWS) and economically challenged households, in keeping with the Human Right to Water.
The review team of economic experts raises key questions and concerns regarding the State’s proposed mechanisms to provide funding to water systems that will struggle to meet the costs of compliance.
View and download the report: