What do 'detected', 'median', and 'range' mean in the Rockingham County manganese sampling record?
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted groundwater sampling in Rockingham County’s 112ICCC aquifer between March 2014 and August 2019. Across 48 samples from a single well 83 feet deep, manganese was detected in every result. The median manganese concentration was 155.5 micrograms per liter (ug/L), and the values ranged from 122.0 to 175.0 ug/L. This means manganese was consistently measurable in this area, but the levels varied somewhat over time. Importantly, none of these detected levels exceeded any federal manganese thresholds.
Which household symptoms may or may not indicate manganese problems?
Manganese in water can cause aesthetic effects including staining on sinks, tubs, and laundry, and sometimes a metallic taste. Persistent dark stains, especially black or brownish in color, might suggest manganese presence. However, symptoms like unpleasant smells, cloudy water, or general water hardness are not reliable indicators of manganese. Since manganese itself does not cause health-based violations at these levels, noticing these aesthetic effects is key to suspecting manganese-related issues. If you see these signs despite prior treatment, it may suggest your current equipment no longer manages manganese effectively.
How do public water system records differ from private well testing for manganese?
Public water system data, like the USGS sampling in Rockingham County, reflects measurements from specific wells or aggregated sources feeding a community supply but does not show individual household levels. Private wells can vary considerably even within a mapped aquifer. To know the exact manganese concentration in your home water, a private well test conducted on your own water supply is essential. Public records give a useful regional context but cannot substitute for sampling your actual water.
Does manganese in Rockingham County’s aquifer show seasonal or multi-year variation?
The sampling record from 2014 to 2019 demonstrates that manganese concentrations remained consistently detected over more than five years within a moderate range (122.0 to 175.0 ug/L). This suggests that the manganese level in this aquifer is relatively stable over time, with no clear seasonal spikes or dramatic long-term increases. Homeowners relying on this data can expect manganese presence to be a persistent feature of their groundwater source.
How should a homeowner interpret the median and range of manganese values here?
The median of 155.5 ug/L represents a central tendency, meaning half the samples showed manganese levels above this and half below, within the observed range. The narrow range (122.0 to 175.0 ug/L) indicates manganese does not fluctuate wildly in this aquifer but stays within a modest window. For a homeowner, this helps set expectations: if your water testing falls within this scope, your manganese is consistent with what the area experiences. If your test shows markedly different results, your local well conditions may vary.
How does water treated with Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter differ at the tap?
Once treated with the Fleck Black Manganese Stains Filter, water that formerly caused staining or discoloration due to manganese will be clearer and free of these aesthetic nuisances. This system uses a specialized filtration process to reduce manganese levels, effectively minimizing the dark stains and metallic taste associated with manganese. Since the equipment ships ready to configure, households can manage treatment without professional services. Importantly, this treatment does not alter water safety limits but addresses the aesthetic concerns manganese causes.
What’s the key water test you should order to clarify manganese in your home?
The critical step is to have your own well or household water tested specifically for manganese concentration. Only this test reveals your water’s manganese level, since regional data cannot substitute for your individual supply. A result showing manganese within or above the Rockingham County aquifer range can confirm whether your current equipment failure is likely related to manganese. Once confirmed, selecting the documented filtration system designed for manganese stains can help restore water clarity and quality at your tap.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2019-08-22. 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 112ICCC aquifer (Rockingham County): 48 results from 1 wells, median 155.5 ug/L, range 122.0-175.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.

