Manganese is a common, naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, soil, groundwater, and surface water. Manganese is also a natural component of many foods. Manganese is an essential nutrient and eating a small amount of it each day is important to stay healthy.

The majority of manganese exposure in the general population comes from the food we eat. Grains, beans, nuts and teas are rich in manganese and it is also found in infant formula.  People can also be exposed through groundwater and surface water.  And because most of us get enough manganese in our food, higher amounts in our drinking water can expose us to more manganese than needed.

Manganese is poorly absorbed through the skin. There are not concerns about manganese exposure through skin contact with food or water containing manganese.

• Infants and Young Children: Some studies suggest that prenatal and early childhood exposures to manganese can have effects on learning and behavior.  Some baby formulas have manganese in them and can lead to exposure to excessive levels.  It’s important to know how much manganese is in your well water especially if you bottle feed your baby.

• Older Children and Adults: Many years of too much manganese can cause harm to our nervous systems.  A disorder called Manganism can result.  Tremors, shaking, and an unsteady gait (similar to Parkinson’s disease) are symptoms of very high exposure to manganese.  It’s important to know that this type of condition is most likely to occur in the elderly after a lifetime of exposure to manganese.  The current health advisory is intended to protect against extensive exposures.

 Manganese Levels of Concern in Drinking Water

• Infants up to 6 months of age should not be given water with manganese concentrations greater than 0.3 mg/L for more than a total of 10 days per year, nor should the water be used to make formula for more than 10 days per year.

• The US EPA recommends that the general population should not ingest water with manganese concentrations greater than 1 mg/L for more than a total of 10 days per year.

• Much lower manganese levels in water can result in noticeable staining and taste complaints.

 What if my water has too much manganese?

• It is recommended that you switch to bottled water or water that is low in manganese for drinking and making bottles for an infant.
• Manganese will not be passed from mother to baby during breastfeeding.
• You shouldn’t use the water for cooking and do not boil the water.  Boiling the water will concentrate the manganese even more.
• You can use the water for showering, bathing, and washing dishes and clothes.
• You may use the water for brushing teeth.
• Manganese is usually taken out by a water softener, but there are several other options for manganese removal.