If you have noticed a metallic taste in your household water in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, understanding the local water quality can provide useful clues. Water test reports from certified laboratories often include manganese concentrations, a common mineral associated with metallic taste. Here, we explore what the regional data shows and how to interpret your own water's characteristics.
If You See Variation in Metallic Taste Over Time or Seasons
Government groundwater sampling in Rockingham County’s bedrock aquifer between 2011 and 2021 shows manganese detected in 120 of 127 samples taken from 29 wells. These wells ranged from 150 to 900 feet deep. The median manganese concentration measured was 96.65 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a range from 0.0 to 2,060.0 ug/L. This wide range over ten years indicates that manganese levels can fluctuate significantly, which might coincide with changes in metallic taste in your water supply.
If Your Home Plumbing Is Older or Has Specific Materials
Besides the manganese naturally present in groundwater, the composition and age of your household plumbing can impact metallic taste. Older pipes or those made of metals may leach trace amounts of metals, sometimes intensifying metallic flavor. This effect is separate from manganese concentrations in source water but can add to the problem you notice in tap water.
If You Want to Narrow Down the Cause Before Testing
Start by checking faucets and fixtures for corrosion or buildup, as these can influence taste. Flushing taps for several minutes may reduce metallic flavors if caused by pipe deposits. If taste persists, comparing water samples from different taps or outdoors may help distinguish between plumbing and source water issues. Ultimately, sending a water sample to a certified laboratory for manganese and metal analysis gives the clearest picture.
If You Receive a Certified Laboratory Test Report for Manganese
Laboratory results will list manganese concentrations in micrograms per liter (ug/L) or parts per billion (ppb). These figures represent the amount detected in your specific water sample. Keep in mind that federal guidelines set secondary standards for manganese at levels related to taste and staining, not health risks. None of the government-sampled wells in Rockingham County exceeded health-based thresholds for manganese, indicating that detection alone is not a safety violation.
If You Consider How Manganese Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System Here
Manganese naturally occurs in the minerals found in bedrock aquifers underlying Rockingham County. Its presence in groundwater depends on local geology and water chemistry, such as oxygen levels and pH. Seasonal changes and groundwater flow can alter the manganese dissolved in water. When water moves through distribution pipes, interactions with plumbing can further influence taste.
If You Compare Rockingham County Data with Neighboring Areas
While neighboring counties may show different manganese levels, these should not lead to assumptions about your water quality. Regional data vary due to differing geology and sampling methods. Use local data as a general guide but rely on your household’s specific test results for decisions.
The manganese data described here reflects government-monitored wells in Rockingham County’s bedrock aquifer sampled between 2011 and 2021. For more information, visit the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring site for this region.
For households experiencing persistent metallic taste, a Pentair Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure, providing a documented solution to reduce manganese-related flavors effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-12-30. 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 (Rockingham County): 127 results from 29 wells, median 96.65 ug/L, range 0.0-2060.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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