Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in rock formations, soil, water, and air. It is also an essential nutrient in all forms of life. The primary source of manganese for most people is food. Daily intake levels typically range between 1,000 micrograms per day (μg/day) and 10,000 μg/day.
There is no federal regulation for concentrations of manganese in drinking water for health reasons. However, there is a federal secondary standard of 50 ppb (ppb =μg/L) based on aesthetic considerations such as taste and color. The EPA recommends that infants younger than six months of age and people with liver disease not consume water with more than 300 ppb for more than 10 days.
The December 2008 issue of the Journal of Environmental Health features "Manganese in Madison’s Drinking Water," an article that describes Madison's experience with manganese-discolored drinking water. The article was written by Dr. Thomas Schlenker, Director of Public Health-Madison & Dane County; John Hausbeck; and Kirsti Sorsa. Paper copies can be obtained by calling the Water Quality section.
The Utility’s updated report (PDF) chronicling its investigations and actions with regard to manganese was released June 19, 2007.
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH WATER QUALITY AND
TREATMENT POLICIES FOR IRON AND MANGANESE
The Water Utility Board on August 25, 2009, adopted policies to guide the Utility in dealing with future indications of iron or manganese that exceed those recommended for esthetic levels by the American Water Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read the resolution here.
