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Manganese in Drinking Water

Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions

This document is intended to answer common questions about manganese and health and using water with higher

levels of manganese.

The majority of manganese exposure in the general population comes from the food we eat. Grains, beans, nuts and

teas are rich in manganese and it is also found in infant formula. A normal diet typically provides adequate manganese

intake. The principal source of exposure to manganese is from food, but in situations where manganese levels in

drinking water are elevated, the contribution from drinking water can increase the overall intake of manganese.

Manganese is found naturally in groundwater and surface waters in Iowa. Manganese may become noticeable in water

at levels greater than 0.05 milligrams per liter (mg/L). At this level, the water will have a brown color and may leave

black deposits on sinks and bathroom fixtures.

Manganese Levels of Concern in Drinking Water

The US EPA recommends that the general population should not ingest water with manganese concentrations greater

than 1 mg/L for more than a total of 10 days per year.

Much lower manganese levels in water can result in noticeable staining and taste complaints. It is for this reason that

the US EPA has a “secondary” drinking water guideline of 0.05 mg/L.

The US EPA health advisory levels of 0.3 mg/L and 1 mg/L were set based upon typical daily dietary manganese intake

levels not known to be associated with adverse health effects. This does not imply that intakes above these levels will

necessarily cause health problems. As a precaution, the general population should consider limiting their consumption

Many years of exposure to high levels of manganese can cause harm to the nervous system. A disorder similar to

Parkinson’s disease called Manganism can result. Tremors, shaking, and an unsteady gait are characteristic of very high

exposure to manganese. This type of effect is most likely to occur in the elderly after a lifetime of exposure to high levels

of manganese or with individuals exposed to welding vapor that contains high levels of manganese. The US EPA’s health

advisory is intended to protect against this effect.

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Is manganese of concern for infants and young children?

Yes, especially for bottle-fed infants. Certain baby formulas contain manganese as a nutrient, and if prepared with water

that also contains manganese, the infant may get a higher dose than recommended. Some studies suggest that prenatal

Manganese is poorly absorbed through the skin. There are not concerns about manganese exposure through skin

contact with food or water containing manganese.

How do I find out about manganese levels in my drinking water?

If you get your water from a public water supply system you should contact representatives of your public water supply

system and request the concentrations of manganese. Please be aware that not all systems are required to test for

manganese.

If you obtain your water from a private well and suspect high manganese in your drinking water, you should contact

your local county health department or visit the Iowa DNR’s private well program website at

09/documents/support_cc1_magnese_dwreport_0.pdf

• EPA’s Secondary Drinking Water Standards: https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/secondary-drinking-

water-standards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals

• EPA’s Drinking Water Criteria Document for Manganese: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-

12/documents/dw-criteria-manganese.pdf

• State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa Well Water Quality and Home Treatment Systems:

http://shl.uiowa.edu/env/privatewell/homewater.pdf

• Public Health Statement for Manganese from the Centers for Disease Control (The EPA has updated the

manganese HALs since this was posted): https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/PHS/PHS.asp?id=100&tid=23

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recommended to not drink water that has manganese above the 0.3 mg/L.

Can I drink this water? Elevated levels of manganese in the water can cause discoloration. If the water contains elevated

levels of manganese or is discolored, it is recommended that you use an alternate water source for drinking.

Should I use this water to make formula for my baby? The most important thing to do is to switch to bottled water or

water that is low in manganese to make formula. If you have concerns about your child, you should speak to your health

care provider.

Should I stop drinking the water if I am breastfeeding my child? No. There is no correlation between manganese levels

Do not boil the water. Boiling will concentrate the levels of manganese.

Can I use the water to make ice and drinks? No. As a precaution, do not use the water for making ice or drinks.

Can I use the water to wash dishes? Yes.

Can I bathe, shower, or wash my hands with the water? Yes. Manganese is poorly absorbed through the skin.

Can I brush my teeth with the water? Yes.

Iowa DNR Contact Information:

For additional questions or information, please contact the appropriate DNR Field Office: