Government Sampling of Manganese in San Juan County Aquifer 110AVMB
The U.S. Geological Survey has monitored manganese concentrations in groundwater from nine wells in San Juan County aquifer 110AVMB, with sampling dates ranging from July 2010 through September 2025. These wells, between 35 and 68 feet deep, have produced 285 results showing manganese detected in 271 samples, with median concentrations around 81.0 micrograms per liter and a range spanning from no detection up to 29,000 micrograms per liter. None of these results surpassed any federal manganese threshold for drinking water.
Natural Occurrence and Sources of Manganese in Local Groundwater
Manganese occurs naturally in soil and rock formations throughout San Juan County, often released into groundwater through weathering and mineral dissolution processes. In aquifer 110AVMB, these geological characteristics contribute to variable manganese levels, which can fluctuate with well depth, local mineralogy, and seasonal changes in water chemistry.
Comparing San Juan County’s Manganese Data with Adjacent Counties
Neighboring counties may show different manganese levels depending on their aquifer geology and hydrology, but direct comparisons should be cautious. Regional data reflects general trends rather than specifics tied to any individual well. Even if manganese readings elsewhere are higher or lower, homeowners should reference their own water testing to establish their water conditions without assuming uniformity based on county-wide data.
The Influence of Plumbing Materials and System Age on Manganese Appearance
Beyond the source water, plumbing components can affect manganese presence or staining. Older pipes or fittings may accumulate manganese deposits or interact with water chemistry to influence manganese visibility. Therefore, manganese-related discoloration or buildup inside household plumbing might not directly correlate with concentrations measured in aquifer samples.
Steps to Identify Manganese Characteristics in Household Water
Homeowners concerned about manganese should begin with a visual assessment for signs such as dark staining on fixtures or laundry, which can suggest manganese presence. Following this, the most definitive approach is laboratory testing of a current water sample from the household tap, ensuring analysis specifically reports manganese levels. This testing distinguishes the homeowner’s actual water quality from the broader regional data.
Water Characteristics After Treatment with the C-Series Black Manganese Stains Filter
The C-Series Black Manganese Stains Filter ships ready to configure for homes addressing manganese issues. By targeting manganese particles and their staining potential, this technology reduces discoloration and related aesthetic concerns at the tap. Post-treatment water typically presents clearer appearance with a significant reduction in manganese-derived staining, improving household water quality where manganese is detected at impactful levels.
What Area Data Does Not Tell You About Your Water
It is important to understand that San Juan County’s aquifer 110AVMB manganese data reflects area-wide sampling and provides context rather than personal water quality. No individual well's manganese concentration can be accurately inferred solely from these figures. Additionally, detection of manganese—even at high readings—does not equate to a safety violation or health hazard under federal drinking water standards. Homeowners should rely on specific testing of their own water to guide treatment decisions rather than assumptions based on regional measurements.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-09-19. 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 110AVMB aquifer (San Juan County): 285 results from 9 wells, median 81.0 ug/L, range 0.0-29000.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold