Manganese in Drinking Water

Data source: U.S. EPA

What Is Manganese in Drinking Water?

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock, soil, and groundwater. At low levels it is an essential nutrient, but elevated manganese in drinking water causes health problems — particularly neurological effects in children and infants. Manganese is one of the most common aesthetic contaminants, causing black or brown discoloration of water and staining.

Health Effects

• Neurological effects — high manganese exposure causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease (tremors, difficulty walking, cognitive decline)
• Children and infants — particularly vulnerable; studies link elevated manganese in water to lower IQ and behavioral problems
• EPA Health Advisory: 300 µg/L for adults (10-day), but lifetime health advisory is much lower
• At levels above 50 µg/L: visible discoloration, metallic taste, staining of laundry and fixtures

EPA Standards

• SMCL: 50 µg/L — secondary (non-enforceable) standard for aesthetic effects
• No enforceable MCL — manganese is regulated only under secondary standards federally
• California MCL: The state of California has an enforceable standard for manganese
• Health advisory: EPA has issued health advisories that are stricter than the SMCL

How to Remove Manganese

• Oxidation filtration — iron/manganese filters using greensand, birm, or catalytic carbon
• Reverse osmosis — effective point-of-use treatment
• Water softeners — can reduce dissolved manganese
• Chlorination + filtration — municipal treatment approach