The article provides information on the health risks associated with exposure to manganese in drinking water, as well as the sources and levels of manganese in water.
Manganese is a mineral that is naturally present in the environment and can be found in both groundwater and surface water. It is also used in various industries and can be a source of exposure through drinking water.
Elevated levels of manganese in drinking water can pose health concerns, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with liver disease. Symptoms of manganese toxicity can include neurological effects, mood changes, and respiratory problems.
Currently, there are no federal enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for manganese in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), but the EPA has established non-mandatory water quality standards (SMCLs) that are used as guidelines by public water systems. If you are concerned about manganese levels in your drinking water, you can contact a certified drinking water laboratory or a water treatment professional to have your water tested and consider installing a water treatment system that is certified to remove manganese.
