Metallic Taste in Kennebec County Water: Understanding Manganese Levels in Bedrock Aquifers

Government sampling in Kennebec County’s bedrock aquifers shows manganese detected in four wells with a median concentration of 2.645 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and a range from 0.64 to 15.8 µg/L. These results come from wells sampled in September 2011 at depths between 164 and 320 feet, none exceeding federal thresholds. This information reflects area conditions but does not specify what is in any individual household’s water.

If You Are Experiencing a Metallic Taste, What Should You Record Before Seeking Treatment Advice?

Knowing your specific water conditions helps in choosing an effective response to metallic taste. Key details to note include:

• The exact nature and consistency of the metallic taste—whether it occurs constantly or intermittently.
• Any recent changes in your water system or treatment equipment, especially since your previous equipment has failed.
• Whether your water source is a private well or municipal supply drawing from bedrock aquifers.
• Results from any recent water tests, especially manganese concentration, ideally from a certified laboratory.

If Your Home Is Large, a Second Residence, or Seasonal, How Does This Affect Your Situation?

Water use patterns and equipment demands differ with household size and occupancy pattern. Larger households or properties used seasonally might see:

• Greater water volume needs, which could affect the capacity required for any treatment system.
• Potential stagnation in plumbing during extended absence, which can influence taste and water quality.
• Variability in water chemistry over time, especially if the well is infrequently used.

If Manganese Was Detected in Only Four Wells, What Does This Sample Size Mean for You?

The data reflects a small sample from four separate wells within the bedrock aquifer of Kennebec County. While it provides a snapshot of manganese presence in the area, it cannot precisely predict your household water. The limited sample:

• Indicates manganese is commonly present at low levels in this aquifer, but concentrations vary between wells.
• Does not capture short-term fluctuations or localized conditions that may be unique to your well.
• Suggests the importance of individual water testing to determine specific manganese levels contributing to metallic taste.

If the Sample Wells Were Deep, How Does Well Depth or Source Affect What You Should Expect?

With sampled wells ranging from 164 to 320 feet deep, depth influences manganese concentration and water characteristics. Generally:

• Deeper wells may draw from different water strata, potentially with distinct mineral content affecting taste.
• The bedrock aquifer environment can contribute naturally occurring manganese, which does not imply any health violation if below federal thresholds.
• Understanding your well’s depth and geologic context helps assess whether manganese might contribute to metallic taste.

To address metallic taste linked to manganese in Kennebec County water, the Pentair Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and can be purchased directly for residential use. It is designed to reduce manganese levels that may cause metallic taste, based on manganese demand from your water analysis.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2011-09-29. 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 BEDROCK aquifer (Kennebec County): 4 results from 4 wells, median 2.645 ug/L, range 0.64-15.8 ug/L; none above any federal threshold