Manganese Concerns in Accomack County: Understanding Regional Water Sampling Data

If you notice a faint discoloration or slight staining on faucets or fixtures in your Accomack County home, manganese could be one reason to consider. Government water tests for the local aquifer 112CLMB provide measured manganese amounts from nearby wells, which may help you understand what might be affecting your water.

How many samples and wells stand behind the manganese figures for our area?

The U.S. Geological Survey collected manganese data from 11 samples taken from five different wells in Accomack County’s aquifer 112CLMB. These samples were gathered at depths ranging between 13 and 40 feet. The sampling period spans from July 2011 through August 2024, offering a moderate data set representing this region’s groundwater but not your specific well.

Because this dataset is relatively small and limited to a handful of wells, it gives a useful but not definitive picture of manganese presence in the broader aquifer. Actual manganese levels in your home’s water could differ significantly, as local geology and well construction influence concentrations.

What steps should I take to understand if manganese is affecting my household water?

Begin with an inexpensive visual inspection at your faucets and appliances for signs such as black or dark brown stains or deposits, which are common manganese indicators. Following up with a water test from a certified laboratory that includes manganese analysis is the reliable way to determine your water’s manganese level.

This laboratory testing will provide specific concentrations to help you evaluate if manganese is at a level that could cause staining or taste concerns. Remember, detections in regional samples do not confirm or pinpoint your water’s condition.

What important information should I record before considering treatment options?

• The depth and type of your water source or well
• Any seasonal changes in water appearance or taste you observe
• The results of your independent manganese water test
• Household water usage patterns, such as daily consumption volume

Having these details ready will support more informed decisions about addressing manganese and discussing options with knowledgeable suppliers.

Does manganese concentration fluctuate over time in this area?

The recorded samples from 2011 to 2024 show manganese concentrations ranging from 13.7 to 137.0 micrograms per liter, with a median of 42.6 micrograms per liter. This range demonstrates some variability over 13 years and across wells but remains below any federal health-based threshold.

Seasonal or multi-year changes are common in groundwater manganese, so testing your water periodically can track trends and determine when treatment might be more beneficial.

How do well depth and source type influence manganese in water?

Shallower wells or wells drawing from certain geological formations tend to have higher manganese levels, as observed in wells sampled between 13 and 40 feet deep in this area. Deeper or differently constructed wells may exhibit different manganese concentrations.

Understanding your well’s characteristics helps interpret test results and guides appropriate treatment capacity planning.

What treatment helps manage manganese given my household’s water use?

Once you know your household’s daily water demand and manganese concentration from testing, a treatment system designed to reduce manganese effectively can be chosen accordingly. One such solution shipping ready to configure is the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter. This Fleck System is documented for addressing manganese in residential water and can be matched to your household needs based on the measured manganese load and water volume.

Having clear, accurate information about your water characteristics and usage is key before selecting treatment designed to reduce manganese staining and potential aesthetic concerns.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-21. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Manganese in the 112CLMB aquifer (Accomack County): 11 results from 5 wells, median 42.6 ug/L, range 13.7-137.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold