Manganese
What it is
A naturally occurring mineral often found with iron in groundwater.
Your body
Manganese is a nutrient in small amounts. At higher levels in drinking water, it has been linked in some studies to effects on children’s learning and behavior. EPA has a health advisory level in addition to its cosmetic standard.
Your home
Manganese causes black or brown stains on fixtures and laundry, a bitter taste, and black sediment in pipes and water heaters.
Federal standard: Secondary standard 0.05 ppm (EPA, non-enforceable)
Treatment options that can reduce it
Maryland water systems that reported manganese
- Harford County Department of Public WorksHarford · 2025 data
- Howard County Department of Public WorksHoward · 2025 data
See common private-well contaminants →
The information on this site is for general education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified health professional about health concerns. Water treatment equipment performance depends on the system, its certification, and proper maintenance.
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