2023 Water Consumer Confidence Report

2023 Consumer Confidence Report

Our water system has found concentrations of manganese above the Minnesota health guidance values. Manganese in the water supply is not new. It occurs naturally in rocks and soil and is usually present in Minnesota’s ground and surface waters. In other words – this is not a recent change in water quality, but it is now being recognized as a potential health concern. People need some manganese to stay healthy, but too much can be harmful to the nervous system. Infants may develop learning and behavior problems if they drink water or formula made with water with too much manganese. In addition, children and adults who drink water with high levels of manganese may have problems with memory, attention, and motor skills.

Consumers can also take actions to help reduce manganese in their drinking water:

• As most softeners can be effective at removing manganese, if you have a water softener, use softened water for drinking and make sure your water softener is in good working order.
• Filter your drinking water with a reverse osmosis filter installed below the sink.
• Use bottled water for drinking.

More information about manganese is also available on the MDH website click here