Many regions in the United States have excessive levels of ammonia in their drinking water sources (e.g., ground and surface waters) as a result of naturally occurring processes, agricultural and urban runoff, concentrated animal feeding operations, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and other sources. The quality of water supplied by public water systems is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.) However, we cannot control the level of manganese that may have seeped into our drinking water. What is the acceptable level of manganese in drinking water? The US EPA recommends that infants up to 6 months of age should not be given water with manganese Why does the EPA have a “secondary standard” for manganese in drinking water? Bangladesh). assumption that half of manganese exposure is from drinking water, as well as differences in bioavailability between different age groups and species. These uncertainties are reflected in the differences in other international health-based limits for manganese in drinking water, which range from 0.1 mg/L (Minnesota) to 0.5 mg/L (Australia). Excess amounts enter water through human sources such as landfills and industrial runoff. All Exceedances of drinking water parameters are reported to the EPA and also the HSE where necessary. drinking water is from its dissolution into groundwater from naturally occurring ores and minerals. Manganese is among 15 contaminants for which the EPA has established National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (“secondary standards”) that set non‐ mandatory water quality standards. For these reasons, it is recommended that drinking water have no more than 0.3 mg/L (or 0.3 parts per million) of iron and less than 0.05 mg/L of manganese. Drinking mineral water can clearly increase manganese dosage. More information on EPA’s regulatory determination process can be found at the following link: For short term exposure, EPA advises that levels in drinking water be below 1 mg/L (1000 ug/L). Iron and manganese are both classified under the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level standards, which are based on aesthetic factors such as color and staining properties of water rather than health effects. 5 US EPA, Drinking Water Health Advisory for Manganese, In US Environmental Protecti on Agency, Offi ce of Water: Washington, (2004). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also set a Health Advisory for manganese of 0.3 mg/L. Manganese is regulated under secondary drinking water standards for aesthetic considerations. Dissolved vs. Particulate Iron/Manganese While water tests generally report overall level of the iron and/or manganese, they don’t usually indicate the Manganese in drinking water is not a huge cause for concern, but it's important to be aware of the potential adverse health effects. Manganese occurs naturally in rocks and soil across Minnesota and is often found in Minnesota ground and surface water. The average amount of manganese in drinking water is 0.004 parts per million (4 parts per billion). EPA’s Secondary Drinking Water Standards identify manganese as having technical (staining) and aesthetic effects (taste, color). exposed to manganese in drinking water at concentrations >200 µg/L. SMCLs are nonmandatory guidance for public water systems to manage drinking water for aesthetics such as taste, color, and odor. Levels of manganese in drinking water are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Vermont. The U.S. EPA Secondary Drinking Water Regulations recommend a limit of 0.05 mg/l manganese because of the staining which may be caused. Water with less than these concentrations should not have an unpleasant taste, odor, appearance, or side effect. Since manganese is found in so many foods that we consume daily, we know that it can be an essential mineral at low doses. Manganese is a toxic essential trace element, but is essential at low levels for normal functioning of humans and animals. EPA has not established a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for manganese. It's also important to listen to boil advisories and other information regarding drinking water in your community. Manganese in drinking-water: background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality View/ Open WHO_SDE_WSH_03.04_104_eng.pdf (‎213.7Kb)‎ US EPA - Secondary Drinking Water Regulations: Guidance for Nuisance Chemicals . 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