Seasonal and Yearly Variation in Manganese Levels
Manganese Sampling Dates
The U.S. Geological Survey collected groundwater samples in Mobile County between June and August 2011, capturing summer conditions within aquifer 122MOCN.
Observed Range Over the Sampling Period
Measurements ranged from 1.71 micrograms per liter (ug/L) up to 372.0 ug/L across 26 wells, illustrating a broad variation in manganese presence during that timeframe.
Implications of Sampling Months
Because sampling was limited to early summer months, the record reflects a snapshot rather than year-round fluctuations; seasonal or longer-term changes are not fully documented.
Removal and Neutralization by Treatment Technology
Purpose of the Pentair Black Manganese Stains Filter
This system is designed to reduce manganese concentrations that cause discoloration and staining in household water, improving water clarity and aesthetics.
How the Treatment Works
The Pentair system employs filtration methods that capture and remove manganese particles, effectively managing manganese without altering water chemistry significantly.
Interpretation of Manganese Levels Against Standards
Federal Threshold Context
None of the manganese measurements in the sampled wells exceeded any federal manganese limits, indicating manganese levels within regulatory guidelines during sampling.
What Compliance Means Here
Remaining below federal thresholds does not guarantee the absence of aesthetic issues such as staining or taste changes, which are common manganese effects addressed by treatment systems.
Understanding Sampling Data Terminology
Detected Concentrations
All 26 samples detected manganese at measurable levels, meaning instruments found manganese but did not imply a safety issue.
Median Value Significance
The median value of 10.75 ug/L represents the middle concentration among the wells sampled, not the manganese concentration of any particular household's water.
Range and Variability
The wide range—from low single digits to several hundred micrograms per liter—demonstrates natural variability in manganese occurrence within the aquifer.
Source of Manganese in Mobile County Groundwater
Geological Origin
Manganese naturally dissolves from minerals in the soil and rock formations composing aquifer 122MOCN.
Depth Influence on Concentrations
Samples came from wells between 14 and 68 feet deep, suggesting manganese presence across common groundwater depths in the area.
Movement into Household Water
As groundwater moves into residential water systems, dissolved manganese may emerge, causing common household water quality concerns.
This information is based on 26 groundwater samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from Mobile County’s aquifer 122MOCN during June to August 2011. For detailed data, visit the USGS website monitoring location 304310088180501.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-08-11. 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 122MOCN aquifer (Mobile County): 26 results from 26 wells, median 10.75 ug/L, range 1.71-372.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold