Government testing by the U.S. Geological Survey collected groundwater samples from Polk County’s 120FLRDL aquifer, measuring manganese concentrations. Five out of eight samples detected manganese, with values ranging from 1.12 to 28.9 micrograms per liter (ug/L), and a median concentration of 10.2 ug/L. None of these readings exceeded federal thresholds.
Consequences of Untreated Manganese in Household Water Over Time
Manganese is a naturally occurring element that can cause staining on plumbing fixtures, laundry, and dishes as well as impart an unpleasant metallic taste in water when present over time. While not a direct health concern at levels detected in Polk County aquifers, persistent manganese may impact household water aesthetics and appliance longevity.
Sample Size, Well Depth, and the Limits of This Data
The manganese data comes from eight separate wells drilled between 1106 and 1106 feet deep—indicating deep aquifer conditions—but this small sample size means that manganese levels can vary at different locations or depths within the county. Therefore, this regional data offers a general picture but cannot predict your home’s exact manganese concentration without a specific water test.
How Treated Water Changes at the Tap with the Documented Technology
Using the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter will alter your tap water by reducing manganese concentrations that cause staining and taste issues. The filtration system’s technology targets manganese to improve water clarity and minimize discoloration on fixtures and laundry, adapting well to household daily water demands.
Interpreting 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the Sampling Results
- Detected: manganese was measured in 5 out of 8 samples, meaning the element was present above the laboratory’s reporting limit in those wells.
- Median: the middle value of manganese concentrations in the data set is 10.2 ug/L, showing typical manganese levels in this sample group.
- Range: the lowest measured manganese was 1.12 ug/L and the highest 28.9 ug/L, reflecting natural variability within the aquifer.
How Sample Depth and Well Type Affect Manganese Expectations
Because these samples come from wells approximately 1106 feet deep, manganese concentrations here likely represent conditions in deep groundwater zones. Shallower wells or surface water sources could show different manganese profiles. Knowing your water source type and depth is crucial for anticipating manganese behavior and selecting appropriate treatment.
Additional Considerations for Commercial or Industrial Water Use
While this briefing focuses on residential needs, commercial and industrial operators often consider factors such as flow rate capacities, equipment durability under continuous operation, and regulatory compliance for manganese limits applicable to their specific industry. Households generally prioritize stain prevention and taste improvement based on daily water consumption volumes.
To address manganese in home water effectively, the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter ships ready to configure for your household’s measured daily demand, offering a documented solution that aligns manganese reduction with typical residential water use patterns.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-03-13. 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 120FLRDL aquifer (Polk County): 8 results from 8 wells, median 10.2 ug/L, range 1.12-28.9 ug/L; none above any federal threshold