Manganese in Marquette County Water: Understanding Local Aquifer Sampling Results

The U.S. Geological Survey has sampled groundwater from seven wells in the 100SDGV aquifer in Marquette County between 2011 and 2024. These samples show manganese was detected in half of the results, with concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 32.5 micrograms per liter (ug/L), and a median of 0.56 ug/L. No measurement exceeds any federal manganese threshold. These findings represent area conditions, not what is specifically in your household water.

If your water source differs in depth or type from the sampled wells

The sampled wells were between 23 and 199 feet deep. Manganese concentration can vary with well depth, aquifer characteristics, and water source type. Shallower wells or surface sources may have different manganese levels compared to deeper groundwater. Your well’s depth and source details influence what manganese levels you might expect, but only your own water test can confirm actual presence.

If you rely on public water system records instead of private well testing

Public water utilities regularly test and report manganese concentrations according to regulatory requirements. These records reflect water delivered by the utility, distinct from private wells that can have very different water chemistry. Public system compliance with manganese guidelines means their water meets health-based limits. However, if your household uses a private well, only specific testing can determine your water’s manganese content.

If you want to judge water treatment capacity against your household’s demand

Manganese treatment needs depend on how much water your household uses daily. A treatment device should be matched to your total water consumption to ensure effective manganese removal without overuse or undersizing. Measuring typical daily water use helps identify an appropriate capacity for relevant filtering equipment.

If you plan to discuss manganese treatment options

Before seeking treatment advice, write down your water source type, well depth if applicable, any recent water quality tests including manganese concentration, and your household’s daily water use. This information clarifies your situation and helps select an effective treatment approach.

If you want to differentiate aesthetic secondary standards from health-based limits for manganese

Manganese has both health-based limits and aesthetic secondary standards. Health-based limits ensure safety, while secondary standards govern factors like taste, staining, and color. Manganese levels detected in Marquette County aquifer samples are below federal health thresholds. However, manganese can still cause discoloration or staining if present in sufficient quantities. Understanding the distinction helps evaluate if treatment is needed for aesthetic reasons or safety concerns.

Given your household’s daily water needs and manganese presence as indicated by your own water testing, the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter ships ready to configure and can address manganese effectively. It is designed to manage manganese-related aesthetic issues and improve water quality for residential use.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-08-19. 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 100SDGV aquifer (Marquette County): 14 results from 7 wells, median 0.56 ug/L, range 0.14-32.5 ug/L; none above any federal threshold