Manganese is an essential mineral for human health; too little will inhibit proper brain development but too much is proving to significantly lower IQ in children. When as little as 0.5 parts per million are in drinking water, both IQ and memory can suffer. The bad news is that manganese is found virtually everywhere, especially in well water. The good news is that it’s easy to fix by using a combination of water softening with water filtration.

What Is Manganese and Where Does It Come From?

Manganese is a naturally-occurring element that is highly reactive in its pure form, so it’s usually found in minerals, most commonly with iron. Most soil has a little, and virtually all plants and meat will contain traces that are healthy for humans to consume. Over time, it will leech into aquifers and seep into well water, and it may also be found in iron pipes used in some homes and water distribution systems.

Why Is It Unhealthy?

In significant doses, it acts as a neurotoxin, eventually causing Parkinson’s-like symptoms and, in children, delaying or preventing cognitive development. The exact mechanism is uncertain, but interestingly, small overdoses from food don’t seem to have much impact whereas in drinking water, very tiny excesses can directly impair brain growth. As with most things, moderation is the key to good health.

How Do I Fix It?

It depends on how much manganese is in your water. Some wells have 6 times the threshold for unhealthy levels, but most homes can achieve significant manganese reductions with a high-quality, multi-level water filtration system. In certain types of water or water with very elevated levels, a water softener is used to precipitate the manganese out so it can then be filtered.

What you need entirely depends on the quality and pH level of your tap water. Experts strongly recommend that you have it tested by a certified water quality specialist. They’ll be able to determine what your water has too much of as well as what it needs added to keep your family healthy and your tap water tasting great.

Due to the quality and price, reverse osmosis has become one of the leading types of water purification. Many homes have installed this type of water filtration system to remove the harmful contaminates now often found in municipal supplies and private wells. However, this does come at a cost: beneficial minerals are also removed, potentially impacting human health.

Humans Require Minerals to Survive

The World Health Organization found that water purified by reverse osmosis has “a definite adverse influence” on consumers by removing minerals like calcium and magnesium. When some Eastern European areas began using it for drinking water, they started developing serious physical symptoms within a few months, including weakness and cardiovascular disorders. Distilled water can literally suck minerals out of your cells – you urinate out the essential ones that are keeping your body alive.

Reverse Osmosis Requires Additional Water Filtration

When you’re dealing with brackish or sea water, reverse osmosis is a fantastic beginning for the treatment process (usually after a pre-filter). When you use it in your home system, it’s typically the final stage to polish off what’s already been filtered. Tests have found pharmaceuticals in many major cities’ water supplies and even in residential wells. Pesticides and volatile organic compounds also must be removed by filtering, and chlorine must be entirely removed before reaching the osmosis membrane– even a tiny amount of chlorine will destroy it, often without any warning that the membrane is no longer effective.

Reverse Osmosis Systems Generally Require Professional Installation

There are still good reasons for many homes to install a reverse osmosis system as part of their overall strategy for water purification, but a homeowner should be aware of all the benefits and disadvantages. One possible drawback is that they require drilling through the countertop and directly into the drain pipe, and drilling through granite countertops is horrendously risky without substantial experience and the proper tools.

If you do decide to install a reverse osmosis system, do your research and know what you’re getting into. Make sure you replace the filters at least as often as the manufacturer suggests, and have it installed by experienced water filtration professionals.

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Manganese is a hard, gray metal in nature, but in your body it is a trace mineral, meaning you need very small amounts of it for good health. Unfortunately, some water supplies have manganese in levels that become toxic to human health. Consequences of this toxicity include trembling and other Parkinson’s-like symptoms. It’s smart to contact a water purification professional if you notice any signs of excess manganese, such as stains, metallic tastes, particulates, and low water pressure.

 

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