Abstract A simple concentration method for detection of potassium (di)chromate directly in fresh water is described. Interference from acidity, alkalinity, or the presence of salt is eliminated by neutralization with phosphate buffer. A simple and sensitive method for potassium chromate or dichromate(VI) separation and detection by paper chromatography is also described. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibition with 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5- phenyltetrazolium chloride (INT)-phenazonium methosulfate (PMS)-sodium succinate mixture as the chromogenic reagent is the detection technique. An acetone-water-EDTA solvent system allows enzymatic detection of potassium (di)chromate in fresh water with the least cleanup effort: 2 μg can be detected by a spot test or 5 μg may be chromatographically detected directly from fresh water.