Understanding Local Water Quality Data
The U.S. Geological Survey analyzed groundwater samples from 14 wells in Umatilla County’s aquifer 122CBRV between 2014 and 2018. Manganese was detected in 13 out of 15 samples with a median concentration of 3.59 micrograms per liter and a range from 0.25 to 18.9 micrograms per liter. No measurement exceeded federal standards for manganese.
What to Record Before Seeking Solutions
Note where metallic taste occurs first within the home
Identify if the taste appears in cold water, hot water, or both, and whether it is noticeable from a particular faucet or appliance.
Track any timing or consistency patterns
Record if the metallic taste is continuous or varies by time of day, season, or after rainfall.
Document household water use habits
Include recent changes such as new plumbing work, water pressure variations, or use of water treatment devices.
How Manganese Enters Groundwater in the Region
Natural geological sources deliver manganese to aquifer 122CBRV
Manganese occurs naturally in soils and rocks that comprise the aquifer’s geology and can dissolve into groundwater over time.
Depth of sampled wells varies widely
The U.S.G.S. samples came from wells between 52 and 1787 feet deep, indicating manganese’s presence across different groundwater depths.
Common Early Signs: Fixtures and Appliances Affected
Sinks and cold water taps often reveal metallic taste first
Cold water from kitchen or bathroom faucets typically shows the taste initially as water is drawn directly from the supply.
Hot water heaters may intensify metallic taste
Heating water can change chemical composition or dissolve trace metals from plumbing, sometimes amplifying metallic flavors.
Distinguishing Metallic Taste from Similar Water Issues
Metallic taste is not caused by iron or sulfur odors
Unlike rust-colored water or rotten egg smells, metallic taste is a separate sensory experience commonly linked to manganese and plumbing interactions.
It differs from chlorination or hardness complaints
Chlorine imparts a distinct chemical odor, and hardness relates to scale buildup without metal flavor.
Role of Plumbing Materials and Age
Older pipes may leach metals enhancing metallic taste
Plumbing systems with aging or corroded components can contribute additional metals into water regardless of source water quality.
Material types affect metal release susceptibility
Galvanized steel, brass, and copper plumbing may interact with manganese and other metals causing taste changes.
What Area Data Does Not Reveal
The manganese concentrations recorded by U.S. Geological Survey do not identify the specific manganese level in any individual well or household water supply. Detecting manganese in the area’s aquifer does not mean your water contains the same amount, nor that it exceeds any health-based or aesthetic threshold. Testing your own water is necessary to confirm its particular condition.
For households experiencing persistent metallic taste, the Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce manganese and improve water taste effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-09-20. 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 122CBRV aquifer (Umatilla County): 15 results from 14 wells, median 3.59 ug/L, range 0.25-18.9 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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