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Drinking Water: Iron and Manganese Bruce Dvorak, Extension Environmental Engineering Specialist

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Drinking Water: Iron and Manganese Bruce Dvorak, Extension Environmental Engineering Specialist NebGuide Nebraska Extension Research-Based Information That You Can Use G1714: Natural Resources, Water Management (Revised May 2021) Drinking Water: Iron and Manganese Bruce Dvorak, Extension Environmental Engineering Specialist Becky Schuerman, Extension Associate for Domestic Water/Wastewater Management Iron and manganese are two naturally occurring drink- Sources of Iron and Manganese in Drinking Water ing water contaminants that can cause poor taste and odor Iron and manganese are common minerals found in issues, and be associated with discoloration that leads to the earth’s crust. Water percolating through soil and rock staining of fixtures, dishes, and laundry. They are primarily can dissolve minerals, such as iron and manganese, which found in Eastern Nebraska groundwater and most people then, as part of groundwater, make their way into your mention these issues when iron levels exceed 300 micro- drinking water. Occasionally, iron pipes also may be a grams per liter (µg/L) and manganese levels exceed 50 µg/L. source of iron in drinking water. Levels of iron can be much higher and are not associated Iron is an essential mineral that is naturally found with health concerns but manganese concentrations above in many foods such as lean meat, poultry, seafood, nuts, 300 µg/L may pose a health issue for rice or soy formula- fed beans, vegetables, and iron fortified grain products such infants. Higher levels, over 1,000 µg/L, may pose a risk for as: breads, cereals, and pastas. Iron’s primary purpose is to all consumers. It is important to highlight that testing and carry oxygen throughout the body within the hemoglobin treatment options are available to detect and remove these of the red blood cells. It is also necessary for cellular contaminants from drinking water. function, neurological development, and physical growth. Manganese is an essential nutrient found in many foods Iron and manganese can be a nuisance in a water sup- such as tea, leafy green vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, ply. They are similar metals and cause similar taste, appear- legumes, fish, some meats, and some infant formulas, ance, and staining problems. Of the two, iron is found most especially rice and soy. It is essential for bone development frequently in water supplies, associated with both source and many processes in the body but like all minerals, it can water and piping material. Manganese is often found in have adverse health effects when humans and/or animals source water that contain iron. Neither iron nor manganese ingest too little or too much. Food and drinking water are are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act but the the primary source of manganese for adults and children. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does have a Breast milk, soy and rice- based formula and cereals are the lifetime health advisory for manganese of 300 micrograms primary sources of manganese for infants. per liter (µg/l). 1 Indications of Iron and Manganese Potential Adverse Health Effects In deep wells, where oxygen content is low, groundwa- Iron in drinking water is not considered a health haz- ter containing iron and manganese is clear and colorless. In ard and iron and manganese bacteria that may be present such water, the iron and manganese are in dissolved form. in water pipes and fixtures are also not known to present Water from the tap may be clear, but when exposed to air, a health risk. Manganese in drinking water at elevated iron and manganese are oxidized (combine with oxygen levels, however, can pose a health risk. Infants fed soy or to become an oxide) and change from colorless, dissolved rice- based formula, which is naturally rich in manganese, forms to colored, solid forms (often in the form of very are at greater risk for adverse neurological effects if the small particles). water used to make the formula also contains high lev- Oxidation of dissolved iron particles in water changes els of manganese, greater than 300 micrograms per liter the iron to white, then yellow and finally to red- brown (µg/l). Infants are at a greater risk than older children and solid particles that settle out of the water. Iron that does not adults due to higher manganese adsorption rates and their form particles large enough to settle out suspended (colloi- brains and bodies are rapidly developing. Older children dal iron) and gives the water a red tint. Manganese usually and adults are at an increased risk when manganese levels is dissolved in water, although some shallow wells contain exceed 1,000 (µg/l). colloidal manganese, giving the water a black tint. Iron and manganese can affect the flavor and color of Testing food and water. They may react with tannins in coffee, tea, and some alcoholic beverages to produce a black sludge, Testing Public Water Supplies which affects both taste and appearance. Iron will cause The quality of water supplied by Public Water Systems reddish- brown staining of laundry, porcelain, dishes, uten- is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sils and even glassware. Manganese acts in a similar way (EPA) and Nebraska Department of Health and Human but causes a brownish- black stain. Soaps and detergents Services (DHHS) under the Federal Safe Drinking Water do not remove these stains, and use of chlorine bleach Act and the Nebraska Safe Drinking Water Act. This in- and alkaline builders (such as sodium and carbonate) may cludes any well with 15 or more service connections or that intensify the stains. regularly serves 25 or more people. Iron and manganese deposits can build up in pipes, Public drinking water standards established by EPA pressure tanks, water heaters and water softeners. This fall into two categories— Secondary Standards and Pri- reduces the available quantity and pressure of the water mary Standards. Primary Standards are based on health supply. Iron and manganese accumulation becomes an considerations and are designed to protect human health. economic problem when water supply or water softening Primary Standards are enforceable. Secondary Standards equipment must be replaced. There also are increases in are based on aesthetic factors such as taste, odor, color, energy costs associated with pumping water through con- corrosivity, foaming, and staining properties of water that stricted pipes or heating water with electric heating rods may affect the suitability of a water supply for drinking and coated with iron or manganese deposits. other domestic uses. Secondary Standards are recommend- A problem that frequently results when there is high ed, but are not enforceable. iron or manganese levels in water, is the presence of iron Iron and manganese are currently both classified under or manganese bacteria. An indicator of iron and manga- the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) stan- nese bacteria is a foul odor, similar to a rotten egg smell. dards, indicating that removing these contaminants to the The odor is a byproduct of the bacteria feeding on the iron SMCL is recommended, but not enforced by either federal and/or manganese. These bacteria occur in soil, shallow or state drinking water regulations. aquifers, and some surface water. They may be introduced In 2020, DHHS completed a survey of all public water into a well or water system when it is constructed or re- systems in Nebraska. If manganese levels were found to paired. The bacteria are not a health concern but may form be greater than 300 µg/l, it was requested that the system red- brown (iron) or black- brown (manganese) slime layers, provide notice to consumers. Generally, manganese levels often detected in toilet tanks, and may clog water systems. were found to be highest in Eastern Nebraska. Please con- 2 tact your water utility office to inquire about the iron and to mix rice and soy formula for infants. Manganese levels manganese levels in your community. in drinking water above 1,000 µg/l should not be used for drinking water consumption. Alternative water, filtered or bottled, should be utilized. Health concerns should be Testing Private Water Supplies discussed with one’s healthcare provider. Water quality in private wells is not currently regu- lated at the federal or state level. Thus, the regular testing Private Water Supply Test Results of a private water supply is not required under state or federal law. If individuals want to know the concentration Users of private drinking water often evaluate iron of dissolved iron and/or manganese in a private water and manganese based on the degree of nuisance of these supply, they will need to have the water tested at their own dissolved metals. EPA and Nebraska public water supply expense. Test kits can be obtained from a Drinking Water regulations do not apply to private drinking water wells. Laboratory or this testing can be done by a water quality Private drinking water well owners are encouraged to fol- professional in your area. low the EPA guidelines for public water supplies. The EPA Tests to determine the presence of iron or manganese SMCLs are 300 µg/l (0.3 ppm) iron and 50 µg/l (0.05 ppm) in drinking water should be done by a laboratory utiliz- manganese. ing approved EPA methods for the detection of iron and manganese. Because iron and manganese are “secondary” Treatment Options contaminants, there is no formal approval of laboratories by the Nebraska DHHS. See NebGuide G1614, Drinking Public Water Supplies Water: Approved Water Testing Laboratories in Nebraska Secondary iron and manganese standards are estab- for more information on laboratories. If foul odor and a lished as guides to manage taste, odor, and color of water. red or black slime layer is found in places like water using Drinking water suppliers are not required by federal or appliances such as like the toilet tank or bowl, individuals state law to meet these secondary standards.
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