MANGANESE IN DRINKING WATER
QUICK FACTS
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Manganese occurs naturally in groundwater and surface water throughout Nova Scotia
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Manganese can be detected through chemical testing
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Prolonged consumption of water with manganese above MAC levels may result in adverse neurological health effects
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The presence of manganese at concentrations above Aesthetic Objective levels of 0.020 mg/L may affect the taste, smell or colour of water and possibly cause staining of laundry and bathroom fixtures.
WHAT IS MANGANESE?
Manganese (Mn) is a naturally occurring essential element found widely in air, water and soil. It is prevalent across Nova Scotia in surface water and groundwater.
ACCEPTABLE CONCENTRATION
The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality has established a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.120 milligrams per litre (mg/L) and an aesthetic objective (AO) of 0.020 mg/L.
Concentrations of Manganese over 0.020 mg/L can cause brown and black staining in clothes and water appliances, as well as undesirable taste and odour.
Prolonged exposure to Manganese over 0.120 mg/L in drinking water have been linked to muscle and joint pain in adults. And neurological and brain development issues in children.
HOW DO YOU REMOVE MANGANESE FROM DRINKING WATER?
The three main methods for residential Manganese removal are reverse osmosis, ion exchange and catalytic filtration.
