Testing your water supply seems like a simple task, until you begin thinking about which minerals you should actually test for, and what it means if they are present in your water. If you find yourself in this situation, our latest blog series, ‘There is a Test for That’ is a good place to start.

If you haven’t tested your water for Manganese, this may be a test you should add to your list. This naturally occurring mineral is usually found in rocks and soil, but can also be present in water and throughout the air due to pollution sources from underground.

Manganese is primarily used to manufacture steel, ceramics, fertilizer, and even glass. This widely utilized mineral is considered an essential nutrient for humans and can also be found in plant-based diets made of primarily nuts, grains, and beans.

Brelje & Race Laboratories primarily tests for Manganese when an individual is looking to have a filtration and/or softening system designed for their specific well water profile, or with agricultural usage wells.

How can manganese affect my health or business?

Manganese is not considered a health concern. Like any essential nutrient, it’s best to consume in moderation, but is not necessarily the first thing we test for when it comes to household water testing. That said, high concentrations of Manganese can present with a large metallic taste, thus it can be less than desirable if it is prevalent in your water.

In agricultural settings, high levels of manganese can build up in irrigation emitters and eventually clog irrigation systems. For this reason, manganese testing is common for agricultural usage or drilled wells that are a source of water for many greenhouses.

How often should I test for manganese?

Brelje & Race Laboratories suggests testing your well water at least once a year or after a major storm or flood has occurred in your area. You can always read about how to know if you are a candidate for water testing in one of our featured blog posts.

If you are concerned about what exactly is in your water supply or have more questions about which minerals or toxins to test for, be sure to visit our resources page or reach out to one of our water testing specialists directly by filling out our inquiry form.