Elevated Levels of Manganese

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Vaughn Has Elevated Levels of Manganese

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. Water samples taken on 11/09/2022 showed manganese levels of 0.247 mg/land 0.218 mg/L. While there is no enforceable maximum health limit for manganese in drinking water, the EPA has issued a lifetime health advisory level of 0.3 mg/L. It is recommended that infants (under the age of 1 year) do not consume water with manganese over 0.1 mg/L. Although this is not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know about your drinking water. While manganese is an essential nutrient, too much is a health concern. Manganese can come from natural or industrial sources.

What should I do?

• Do not boil the water. Boiling the water concentrates manganese as it remains behind when the water evaporates.
• Infants, elderly, and people with liver disease are at increased risk and should use a different source of water for drinking and preparing foods.
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers should use a different source of water for preparing infant formula. The FDA requires a minimum amount of manganese in infant formula because it is an essential nutrient at very low levels. However, adding manganese in drinking water to the formula that already contains manganese increases an infant's exposure to this metal and risk for developing
  harmful health effects.
• It is okay to use the water for bathing, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. The small amounts of manganese absorbed through the skin or left on clean dishes are not expected to cause health concerns.
• If you are concerned about the water, consider using bottled water or other water sources low in manganese.
• If you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

What is being done?
Our system is actively posting public notices.

Where can I find more information?
https://deg.mt.gov/water/Programs/dw-rules

For more information, please contact Vaughn Cascade County Water and Sewer at James South at 406-964-8880

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Vaughn Cascade County Water and Sewer: PWS ID#: MT0000352.