Elevated Manganese in District’s Water Supply

Update — August 24, 2026

Well 74-1 remains offline due to elevated manganese levels. The District’s operator is working with outside experts to identify the correct blending settings needed to safely bring the well back online.

In the meantime, the water system continues to operate on Well 2011-1 alone. Testing conducted last week showed manganese at 110 micrograms per liter (µg/L) — well below the EPA’s health-based guidance level of 300 µg/L for infants. If testing ever shows manganese levels at or above 300 µg/L, the District will issue a notice immediately.

The District will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

16 Jul 2026 – The District has taken well 74-1 offline due to elevated manganese levels. Water service is currently being supplied solely by well 2011-1, which has low manganese. The District’s operator is working to bring 74-1 back online in a blended configuration to reduce demand on well 2011-1.

The most recent testing shows manganese at 100 micrograms per liter (µg/L), within EPA limits.

10 July 2026

Testing conducted on 27 June 2026 has detected increased levels of manganese in the District’s water supply. Two samples were collected within the District. In the upper zone, the manganese level was 378 µg/L. In the lower zone, the level was 882 µg/L.

Water quality samples indicate a manganese concentration above the U.S. EPA lifetime health advisory level of 300 micrograms per liter (ug/L).

Drinking water with manganese levels greater than 300 ug/L should not be used to prepare formula for infants. Filtered or alternate water should be used. People with health concerns should consult their health care provider.

Background on the District’s Wells

The District operates two functional wells. Historically, one well has tested within the acceptable limits for manganese, while the other has tested above them. To avoid overworking the single compliant well, water from both wells is blended, and the resulting blended water has historically been within the acceptable limits for manganese.

Next Steps

The District’s operator will be conducting additional testing and adjusting the blending settings to reduce the level of manganese in the District’s water. Updates will be posted on this page as new information becomes available.

For additional information, please contact Mike Adair at (402) 677-3781

Official Notice