Groundwater Quality in Garrett County Aquifer
Water drawn from the Garrett County aquifer flows through wells reaching depths between 125 and 530 feet before entering homes. This regional groundwater is an important source for households relying on private wells. The U.S. Geological Survey has sampled manganese levels across this aquifer to establish an area-wide picture of concentrations.
How Public-System Records Differ from Private-Well Testing in What They Establish
Manganese Measurements Are from Multiple Wells Not Individual Private Sources
The data represents 80 manganese results gathered from 10 separate wells in Garrett County. These are composite area samples, not tests of any one household well.
Area Median and Range Reflect Regional Groundwater Characteristics
Sampling shows a median manganese concentration of 129 micrograms per liter with a range from 0.79 to 6,220 micrograms per liter. These figures indicate variability but do not define an individual home's water quality.
No Federal Health-Based Thresholds Were Exceeded in These Samples
Although manganese was detected in 78 out of 80 samples, none exceeded federal health-based thresholds. This distinction underlines that detection alone does not imply a health concern.
What a Certified Laboratory Test for Manganese Reports and How to Read It
Tests Provide Precise Concentrations for Your Specific Well Water
A lab test of your own well water will report exact manganese concentrations measured in micrograms per liter or parts per billion. This test is the only way to know your home's specific manganese level.
Reading Detection vs. Concentration Levels
Detection means manganese was measured by the instrument. The numerical concentration reveals how much is present, but does not indicate safety or violation by itself.
Comparing Your Test to Regional Data
Your manganese result can be compared to Garrett County aquifer medians and ranges to understand how your well water fits within this area's variability.
How Manganese Enters Groundwater in This Region
Geological Sources Provide Naturally Occurring Manganese
Manganese dissolves into groundwater from minerals in the area's aquifer rock formations through natural geological processes.
Depth of Wells Influences Manganese Levels
The sampled wells vary in depth from 125 to 530 feet, and deeper or shallower wells may show different manganese concentrations due to mineral contact and groundwater flow.
What Questions Commercial or Industrial Operators Add That Households Do Not
Higher Volume Water Use and Equipment Sensitivity
Commercial setups may need detailed manganese data to prevent staining or equipment damage at larger scales than residential systems.
Regulatory Requirements for Water Quality Monitoring
Industries often face stricter monitoring and reporting compared to household private wells, influencing their water quality management plans.
How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record
Sampling Dates Span Over a Decade
The manganese data covers samples from September 2010 through October 2023, providing an extensive overview of trends over time.
Range and Median Reflect Variation Across Years and Wells
The wide range in manganese concentrations suggests regional fluctuations potentially linked to seasonal or hydrological changes within the aquifer.
Understanding manganese levels in Garrett County groundwater requires recognizing the difference between area-wide data and individual household tests. The U.S. Geological Survey sampling informs what is typical in the aquifer but not your well specifically. To address residential manganese concerns, consider a certified test of your water followed by using the Pentair Black Manganese Stains Filter, which ships ready to configure for treating manganese.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2023-10-24. 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 aquifer (Garrett County): 80 results from 10 wells, median 129.0 ug/L, range 0.79-6220.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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