What Do 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the Water Sampling Record for Virginia Beach City?
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled groundwater from 14 wells in Virginia Beach City aquifer 111SFCL between 2010 and 2025, recording manganese concentrations. 'Detected' means manganese was measured in 46 out of 47 samples, while one sample was below the instrument's reporting limit. The 'median' is the middle value of all results, 133.5 micrograms per liter (ug/L), which helps summarize typical manganese levels. The 'range' from 5.93 to 369.0 ug/L shows how much manganese measurements varied across wells and times.
What Does a Certified Laboratory Test Report for Manganese and How Should It Be Interpreted?
A certified lab test reports manganese concentration in your water sample as micrograms per liter or milligrams per liter. This number quantifies the manganese your household water contains at sampling. To determine if manganese is contributing to a metallic taste, compare your test values to local data and aesthetic guidelines. Remember, detecting manganese is common and does not alone indicate a health or safety problem.
How Can I Understand the Median and Range for Manganese in My Virginia Beach City Area Home?
The median of 133.5 ug/L reflects typical manganese found in groundwater wells sampled at depths between 22 and 98 feet in your aquifer. The range indicates the variation you might expect; some wells had much lower or higher levels. Since these are regional data, your well's manganese might differ. Only a test of your own water can confirm your exact concentration and its possible effect on taste.
How Does Manganese Enter the Groundwater or Distribution System in Virginia Beach City?
Manganese naturally occurs in soil and rock formations. In Virginia Beach City’s aquifer 111SFCL, it dissolves from minerals into groundwater. Residential water can carry this manganese from the source, leading to taste changes. Manganese concentrations vary over time and by well depth due to geological conditions and water chemistry.
How Do Public-System Water Records Differ from Testing Private Wells in What They Establish?
Public-system water records represent tested water at treatment or distribution points serving many users, often meeting federal health standards. However, these records reflect average or treated water and not the private well's raw water chemistry. Private well owners should test their own water as local manganese levels can differ significantly from area-wide public data.
What Treatment Option Addresses Metallic Taste From Manganese Once It’s Measured?
When manganese is part of the metallic taste issue you’ve identified by testing your home water, a targeted filtration system can help. The C-Series Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce manganese and improve drinking water taste. It’s important to start with testing to know your specific manganese level, then select this documented solution accordingly.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2025-08-07. 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 111SFCL aquifer (Virginia Beach city County): 47 results from 14 wells, median 133.5 ug/L, range 5.93-369.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold