How Manganese Enters Groundwater in Burt County’s Aquifer 110SAGR
Burt County draws residential water primarily from aquifer 110SAGR, a groundwater source located between 59 and 245 feet below the surface. This aquifer naturally contains manganese, a mineral that dissolves from surrounding soils and rocks over time. Government groundwater sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2010 and 2014 found manganese consistently present in sampled wells within this aquifer. These studies show a median manganese concentration of 1275 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with individual results ranging from 96 to 2070 ug/L across eight wells. This means manganese is a persistent constituent in the region’s groundwater that households depend on for tap water.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Manganese
The manganese levels found in government samples of Burt County aquifer 110SAGR fall below federal health-based thresholds. It is important to understand that manganese's presence does not necessarily indicate a health risk but relates primarily to aesthetic concerns such as discoloration and staining. Secondary standards for manganese focus on taste, appearance, and the potential for staining plumbing fixtures or laundry rather than health safety. This distinction explains why manganese detections, even at higher observed levels, are not violations or unsafe conditions but signals that treatment may be needed for water quality comfort and maintenance.
Which Household Fixtures and Processes Are Affected First by Manganese
In a home, manganese typically shows its effects earliest through staining on sinks, bathtubs, toilets, and laundry. Brown or black discoloration and buildup can occur where water sits or flows slowly. Appliances relying on water, such as dishwashers and washing machines, may also experience mineral deposits that affect performance or longevity. Homeowners reporting existing treatment systems unable to keep pace often notice these visible and operational impacts increasing over time as manganese accumulates or flows exceed removal capacity.
Scope and Significance of Government Sampling Data for Burt County
The manganese information for aquifer 110SAGR in Burt County is based on 26 water samples taken from 8 wells over four years. This sample size provides a reliable regional snapshot but does not specify manganese levels in individual wells or household taps. Testing of your own water is necessary to understand local manganese concentrations and assess the performance of existing treatment systems. The range in sample results highlights natural variability across wells and depths, so individual conditions may differ significantly.
How the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter Removes Manganese
For households facing manganese levels that exceed the capacity of current equipment, the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter offers a proven treatment solution. This technology is designed to reduce manganese by filtering and oxidizing the mineral before water reaches household fixtures. It ships ready to configure for connection on residential water lines and is effective for restoring water clarity and preventing staining and mineral buildup. Using this product can help maintain home water quality where manganese concentrations fluctuate or gradually increase beyond previous conditions.
In summary, the U.S. Geological Survey’s data on manganese in Burt County’s aquifer 110SAGR shows consistent detection with variability across wells, all below federal health limits but above aesthetic guidelines. Homeowners with treatment systems struggling to maintain manganese removal can consider the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter as a direct-purchase water technology to address persistent aesthetic and staining issues. For full details on manganese sampling and regional water quality, the U.S. Geological Survey’s groundwater monitoring site provides comprehensive data and updates.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2014-08-06. 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 110SAGR aquifer (Burt County): 26 results from 8 wells, median 1275.0 ug/L, range 96.4-2070.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold