Water in Hendricks County, Indiana, primarily comes from groundwater drawn from aquifer 112PLSC. This aquifer feeds many residential wells, with water moving from shallow depths underground into household taps. Understanding the characteristics of this source helps clarify what might cause a metallic taste in water.
How does manganese concentration vary over time in Hendricks County groundwater from aquifer 112PLSC?
Government data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey between September 2014 and August 2025 includes 30 manganese measurements from five different wells in the area. These wells ranged from 8 to 28 feet deep. Nearly all samples detected manganese, with concentrations from 0.53 to 69.7 micrograms per liter (µg/L), and the median value was 58.6 µg/L. This range shows some seasonal or multi-year variability but remains relatively consistent within a low to moderate concentration span.
What do these manganese levels mean compared to federal standards?
None of the measured manganese concentrations exceeded any federal threshold. It is important to understand that a detected manganese level—even nearer the higher end of this range—is not a violation or an indication of unsafe water. Instead, manganese has a secondary standard, which relates to aesthetic concerns such as taste, color, or staining rather than health risks.
What information does a certified water quality laboratory report provide regarding manganese?
A certified laboratory test of your household water would document the manganese concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L), alongside other parameters. Such a test is essential to determine your actual water composition, since area data cannot confirm your well's manganese level. This report helps clarify if manganese is contributing to a metallic taste and supports deciding on appropriate treatment.
What household symptoms are related to manganese causing a metallic taste?
A metallic taste in water can be a symptom linked to manganese presence, especially when existing treatment equipment no longer reduces this taste. Other household signs might include slight discoloration or staining on fixtures, but these are not universal or definitive. Absence of these signs does not rule out manganese’s role, so testing is advisable.
How does manganese enter the groundwater in this Hendricks County region?
Manganese naturally occurs in soil and rocks and can dissolve into groundwater over time. In aquifer 112PLSC, manganese levels are influenced by geological formations and local hydrology. Since sampled wells are relatively shallow, manganese detected in groundwater can reflect natural mineral dissolution processes rather than contamination.
If your household has experienced failure of existing treatment equipment addressing metallic taste, consider water quality testing to confirm manganese levels at your tap. The Autotrol Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and can help reduce metallic taste by targeting manganese and related causes based on your measured water demand.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-08-25. 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 112PLSC aquifer (Hendricks County): 30 results from 5 wells, median 58.6 ug/L, range 0.53-69.7 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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