Learn About Manganese

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How Does Manganese Get Into Water?

Manganese is naturally occurring, along with other metallic elements, in areas with mineral deposits. The Water Quality Association (WQA) attests that manganese is more concentrated in groundwater than surface water. Manganese can exist in municipal water supplies and in private wells utilizing groundwater that has been in contact with minerals. The WQA also notes that industrial and mining activities can facilitate the release of manganese into local water supplies.

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Manganese is not often found alone in water supplies - as we discussed above, manganese mostly appears as an alloy. According to the Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, iron and manganese often occur together in affected drinking water. Many water tests and treatment solutions filter both manganese and iron simultaneously.

Manganese causes unwanted aesthetic problems. According to the WQA, when your water contains high iron and manganese levels, it takes on a bitter metallic taste. Water contaminated with manganese and iron can appear brown or even black as it interacts with oxygen. Manganese in drinking water also stains plumbing and appliances.

How to Test Your Water for Manganese

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