Manganese in Drinking Water

The City of Otsego's drinking water has elevated levels of manganese in the drinking water. Infants under one year old should not drink tap water or use tap water for formula without further treatment or using bottled water.

About manganese
Manganese naturally occurs in drinking water and can be found in rocks and soil. 

Safe drinking levels for manganese
The Minnesota Department of Health has developed a health risk limit for manganese in drinking water.

  • Under one year of age
    Safe drinking levels for manganese in drinking water for infants one year old and younger who drink tap water or drink formula made from tap water is 100 micrograms per liter (ug/L) or less. 
  • Over one year of age
    Infants one year old and younger who never drink tap water or formula made from tap water and everyone in your household over one year old, a safe level of manganese in the drinking water is 300 micrograms per liter (ug/L) or less.
  • About the guidance
    The health risk limit set by the Minnesota Department of Health was set in 2023 and are not required to be met by the public water systems. Public water systems are not required to treat for manganese within drinking water as it is not a primary drinking water standard. A health risk limit does not require treatment; however, it is the strongest recommendation to treat prior to requirement.

Health effects of elevated manganese
Children and adults who drink water with levels of manganese above the guidance level for a long duration may have problems with memory, attention, and motor skills.

Infants one year old and younger may develop learning and behavior problems if they drink water levels of manganese above the guidance level.

Ways homeowners can remove manganese in their drinking water at home

  • Use bottled water
  • A reverse osmosis water system or under the sink reserve osmosis system
  • Use of distilled water or a distillation system
  • Use of a water softener that is connected to your drinking water faucet. Most water softeners are not set up this way due to the taste of softened water


Accredited Local Testing Sites


Water Laboratories, Inc.           Elk River            763-441-7509   

Traut Water Analysis Lab         Waite Park        320-251-5090   

Learn more by contacting (MDH) at health.drinkingwater@state.mn.us or directly at 651-201-4700 with questions.

The City is working with engineering consultants and MDH professionals for plans to reduce the manganese levels in the City's municipal drinking water.


Additional Resources on Manganese

MDH general manganese information

MDH Quick Fact Sheet

Information about home water treatment systems

MDH Toxicology Summary for Manganese