What do 'detected', 'median', and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page?
The government's U.S. Geological Survey sampled groundwater from two wells in St. Louis County's aquifer 111ALVM on November 7, 2013. The manganese concentration was detected in all four results, with values ranging from 227.0 to 810.0 micrograms per liter (µg/L). The median value was 478.5 µg/L. "Detected" means the presence of manganese measured by instruments, without indicating a specific condition for any individual household well. The "range" provides the lowest and highest concentrations found among the samples, while the "median" is the middle value, helping to summarize the typical manganese concentration in the sampled area.
What does the measured range mean against the relevant federal standard, and what does it not mean?
None of the manganese concentrations detected in these samples exceeded any federal health-based thresholds. This means that, according to federal guidelines, the manganese levels recorded in these specific wells do not constitute a health concern. However, these findings do not guarantee that every household well in the area has similar manganese concentrations. These figures do not represent violations or unsafe conditions, only documented measurements in the sampled wells.
How does the treated water differ at the tap once the documented technology is in place?
When manganese is present at levels that affect water clarity or cause staining, even if not exceeding health limits, advanced water treatment technology can improve water quality visibly and functionally. The Autotrol Black Manganese Stains Filter is designed to reduce manganese concentrations effectively, helping prevent staining and improving the taste and appearance of water. Once configured, this system works to maintain clearer water, reducing the burden on existing equipment struggling with manganese removal.
How does manganese enter groundwater or the distribution system in this region?
Manganese naturally occurs in underground formations and can dissolve into groundwater, especially within the geological conditions typical of St. Louis County's aquifer 111ALVM. The sampled wells were between 25 and 80 feet deep, indicating that manganese presence is linked to the local aquifer materials and geological processes rather than surface contamination. This natural occurrence means manganese is commonly found in water drawn from wells tapping into this aquifer.
What is the recommended order to rule things out, from cheapest check to laboratory test?
Homeowners noticing signs of manganese—such as dark staining or off-taste—should first review existing equipment performance and maintenance. Next, simple water clarity or staining observations can help assess if manganese might be a concern. The definitive step is to have water tested by a certified laboratory to determine the actual manganese concentration in the home's water supply.
How many samples and wells stand behind the figures, and what does a small sample mean?
The data for this area is based on four measurements from two wells sampled on a single day. While these samples provide insight into regional manganese presence in aquifer 111ALVM, the small number means they cannot represent every well or tap in the county. Variability between locations and depths may lead to different manganese levels in individual wells.
To settle any question about manganese in your own water, order a laboratory test for manganese concentration from your household water supply. A test result will confirm the level, allowing informed decisions about treatment options such as the Autotrol Black Manganese Stains Filter, which ships ready to configure for residential use.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-11-07. 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 111ALVM aquifer (St. Louis County): 4 results from 2 wells, median 478.5 ug/L, range 227.0-810.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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