Manganese and Other Contaminants Clog Madison Wells
May 8, 2006
Madison, Wisconsin resident Andres Svanoe was alarmed when his family’s drinking water contained chunks of small black globs that came from the tap.
The black globs were manganese, a natural mineral in which long-term exposure at high levels is known to cause neurological problems and other serious health complications, particularly in infants and people with chronic liver disease.
“Nobody told us anything about the safe level of manganese for young kinds,” said Svanoe, who has a 14-month-old son.
In recent years, the water utility company in Madison has received hundreds of complaints about rusty and black water running from faucets.
However, water doesn’t have to be discolored to contain high levels of manganese. Clear samples of drinking water were tested at manganese levels of 700 parts per billion, significantly higher than the federal safety standard set at 300 parts per billion. A sample taken from a home last year showed levels of manganese at 244,000 parts per billion.
Alarming levels of manganese has continued to show up in homes in Madison and has prompted the mayor to create a contaminate task force. The Madison Department of Public Health has also issued alerts to residents in the area.
Tom Stunkard, a drinking water specialist with the state department of Natural Resources who is responsible for regulating the Madison Water Utility has ordered testing of wells in the area with suspicious levels of toxic chemicals.
In addition, the city will use a new system to enhance the quality of water by clearing the iron and manganese build-up that accumulates in pipes over time.
If you think you may have be a victim of manganese exposure and its various side effects, contact a manganese attorney.
