Pentair Metallic-Tasting Water Filter

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What does the manganese data from Bernalillo County’s aquifer tell me about my metallic taste problem?

The U.S. Geological Survey has measured manganese in aquifer 112SNTF, which underlies much of Bernalillo County, NM. Over 162 samples from 18 wells between 2013 and 2024 showed manganese ranging from 0.29 to 101.0 micrograms per liter, with a median of 4.22 micrograms per liter. These wells varied in depth from 150 to 1723 feet.

This information represents a broad regional sampling and does not specify your household's water composition. It confirms manganese presence is common but at levels well below any federal health thresholds. This means manganese concentrations at these wells are not identified as unsafe by regulatory standards. Your individual well or water supply would need specific testing to determine manganese content and confirm whether it is causing metallic taste in your home.

How can metallic taste change over time according to the data?

Seasonal and multi-year variations in manganese concentrations occur naturally. The sampling dates covering 2013 to 2024 indicate fluctuations but no consistent upward trend above the observed range. Variations can be influenced by groundwater movement, water table levels, and environmental factors affecting the aquifer.

This means that metallic taste linked to manganese might vary in intensity or frequency through the seasons or over the years. Continuous monitoring or periodic testing is the only way to track changes specifically for your water supply.

What extra considerations do commercial or industrial users have that households usually do not?

Commercial and industrial water users often face larger volumes and different water use profiles that can affect manganese impacts differently. They might require more comprehensive water quality analysis, including manganese and other constituents, to meet process requirements or equipment protection standards.

Such operators may also consider the effect of manganese on water systems over time, such as accumulation in pipes or impact on product quality. Households typically focus primarily on taste and aesthetic concerns rather than these operational factors.

Which household water symptoms suggest manganese-related metallic taste, and which do not?

Metallic taste due to manganese usually manifests as a distinct metal-like flavor noticeable when drinking or cooking with tap water. This may occur even if water looks clear and odorless.

Symptoms not related to manganese metallic taste include cloudiness, sediment presence, strong chemical odors, or staining. Each of these may indicate other water issues unrelated to manganese.

What information should I gather before seeking treatment advice for metallic taste?

• Obtain a recent, comprehensive water test report from a certified lab showing manganese levels and other relevant parameters.
• Note when metallic taste occurs—time of day, seasonal patterns, or after changes in water use.
• Record any existing water treatment systems and their performance limitations.
• Understand well depth and local system characteristics if on a private supply.

How does manganese enter the groundwater and distribution system in Bernalillo County?

Manganese is a naturally occurring element in soil and rock. In Bernalillo County's aquifer 112SNTF, it dissolves into groundwater due to local geological conditions. Well depth and regional water chemistry influence its presence in water supplies.

Manganese can also be introduced or redistributed within water distribution systems through pipe corrosion or sediment disturbance, though this varies by system design and maintenance.

Knowing these sources helps determine appropriate treatment approaches focused on manganese removal or taste correction.

In summary, manganese is naturally detected in Bernalillo County’s aquifer at levels below federal thresholds but can contribute to metallic taste in household water. Specific testing of your water is essential to confirm manganese’s role. The Pentair Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce metallic taste associated with manganese, providing an effective option when existing systems do not fully address this issue.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-10-16. 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 112SNTF aquifer (Bernalillo County): 162 results from 18 wells, median 4.22 ug/L, range 0.29-101.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold