L-5451DrinkingWaterProblemsIronandManganese.pdfVIP

L-5451 2-04 Drinking Water Problems: Iron and Manganese Mark L. McFarland, Associate Professor and Extension Soil Fertility Specialist Monty C. Dozier, Assistant Professor and Extension Water Resources Specialist The Texas AM University System ron and manganese are two similar ele- How do iron and manganese ments that can be a nuisance in a drinking Iwater supply. Iron is more common than enter drinking water? manganese, but they often occur together. They are Iron and manganese are common elements in the not hazardous to health. earth’s crust. As water percolates through soil and rock it can dissolve these minerals and carry them What problems do iron and into groundwater. Also, iron pipes can corrode and leach iron into a household water supply. manganese cause? Iron and manganese can give water an unpleasant How do I know if my water taste, odor and color. Iron causes reddish-brown stains on laundry, porcelain, dishes, utensils, glass- contains iron or manganese? ware, sinks, fixtures and concrete. Manganese caus- The appearance and/or taste of water can indicate es brownish-black stains on the same materials. the presence of iron and manganese. For exampl