Have You Been Noticing More Little Black Specks in the Water? Those Little Black Specks Are Manganese.
Manganese is a naturally occurring element present throughout the environment and commonly found in many water sources. Here in BC, residents can be exposed to manganese through air, food, soil, consumer products and drinking water. People's main source of manganese is their diet, as it is present in nuts, beans, fruits, and leafy green veggies.
Elevated levels of manganese in water can make it appear brown, purple, black, or show up as small dark particles. These black specks are the oxidized (think rust) form of manganese. They can be visible in drinking water even if the overall levels are low because they are easy to see instead of being dissolved in the water.
Based on limited new research, Health Canada recently revised its drinking water standards to include a Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) for manganese. The research showed that manganese has a potential health risk from long term exposure to high levels. Long-term is generally considered to be ongoing for months or years with levels always above the MAC. The main risk identified was to infants consuming formula. Those who consistently notice manganese in their drinking water should use an alternative water source, such as bottled water, when preparing infant formula. Exposure to manganese through skin contact is not harmful. Exposure through handwashing, showering, or bathing in water containing manganese is unlikely to be significant.
Health Canada adopted a precautionary approach due to the limitations on the available information. Manganese concentrations greater than the guidelines are only representative of a potential risk to health, but do not represent measurable health impacts. Health Canada calculated the MAC assuming that people would be constantly exposed to elevated levels of manganese over long periods. Occasional consumption of water with a manganese concentration above the MAC is unlikely to cause any health issues.
More information from Health Canada can be found here.
More information from the Province of British Columbia can be found here.
What is the Village Doing About the Manganese Levels?
The next step is to analyze the water more and complete a manganese filter feasibility project. Greensand filters are commonly used to reduce manganese levels in potable water. An analysis by a qualified professional is needed to assess the technology’s suitability for Nakusp and to estimate construction costs. The information from the feasibility project will be used to determine whether the water utility will improve the Village’s water quality by installing a greensand or other type of filter.
