Manganese in Mason County Water: Understanding Aquifer 110QRNR Sample Data

Mason County's groundwater reaches homes primarily from aquifer 110QRNR. This water has been sampled by the U.S. Geological Survey to gauge manganese levels across the area. These results offer insight into what residents in this region might expect, though they do not reveal your specific household water quality.

What is the best way to determine manganese levels in my home water?

Start with simple steps like checking any evident water discoloration or staining, as manganese can cause these signs. However, confirming manganese presence and concentration requires laboratory testing of a water sample taken directly from your tap or well. This test is the only method that accurately reveals manganese levels in your household water supply.

How does the Pentair Black Manganese Stains Filter address manganese in water?

This Pentair System is designed to reduce manganese that can cause staining and affect water appearance. It operates through specialized filtration media that capture and remove manganese particles, helping restore clearer water and reduce staining issues often associated with manganese presence.

What does a certified laboratory manganese test report and how do I interpret it?

A laboratory report for manganese will provide a concentration value expressed in micrograms per liter (ug/L) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). It shows the detected manganese level in your water sample, enabling you to compare it with guidelines or aesthetic preferences. Knowing your exact water results helps decide if treatment is advisable.

Why do manganese aesthetic standards differ from health-based limits?

Manganese has a secondary standard focusing on taste, staining, and discoloration rather than health risks. Federal thresholds set limits for manganese aimed at these aesthetic effects, not as safety violations. In Mason County's aquifer 110QRNR, all sampled manganese concentrations were well below any federal thresholds, indicating no federal concern from these samples, but individual water could vary.

How extensive are the government sampling data for manganese in Mason County, aquifer 110QRNR?

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled one well 30 feet deep eleven times between July 2022 and July 2025. Manganese was detected in every sample, ranging from 0.58 to 14.8 ug/L with a median of 4.26 ug/L. While this is a limited dataset, it is representative of that specific location and period, not every household source across the county.

The key to resolving whether manganese is an issue for your household water is to order a certified laboratory manganese test for your own tap or well water. If the reported manganese level is low and does not cause staining or taste concerns, treatment may not be necessary. If the level is higher or leads to noticeable effects, a Pentair Black Manganese Stains Filter can help mitigate these problems efficiently.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-07-30. 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 110QRNR aquifer (Mason County): 11 results from 1 wells, median 4.26 ug/L, range 0.58-14.8 ug/L; none above any federal threshold