Manganese Contamination

Manganese in Kansas Drinking Water

Ranked by max manganese detected (µg/L) · UCMR 4 data (2018–2020) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Over SMCL

11%

% Over SMCL

28.8 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 7% vs national

vs National

270

Health Violations

Analysis

Manganese in Kansas: what the data shows

Kansas has 35 cities with manganese data from the EPA's UCMR 4 program (2018–2020). Manganese exceeded the 50 µg/L EPA secondary MCL in 4 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 28.8 µg/L. Manganese occurs naturally in groundwater and surface water. Elevated levels are common in areas with iron-rich geology and in systems that draw from reservoirs with low dissolved oxygen. The secondary MCL of 50 µg/L is based on aesthetic concerns (taste, staining), but health-based guidelines suggest neurological effects at higher concentrations. Emerging research links chronic manganese exposure in drinking water to neurodevelopmental effects in children, including reduced IQ and behavioral issues. Oxidation filtration and water softeners are effective at removing manganese from household water.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 50 µg/L EPA Secondary MCL

Kansas

11%

4 of 35 cities

← ▼ 7% below national rate (better)

National avg

18%

729 of 4068 cities

City Map

Manganese data across Kansas

Each dot is a city with UCMR 4 manganese testing data. Cities where manganese exceeds the 50 µg/L EPA secondary MCL are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by manganese level in Kansas

Highest Manganese levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Kansas cities ranked by manganese level

#	City	Level	Over SMCL?	Violations	Grade
1	Dodge City	300.0 µg/L	Over SMCL	12	A-
2	Great Bend	236.0 µg/L	Over SMCL	21	F
3	Fort Riley	157.0 µg/L	Over SMCL	9	A-
4	Garden City	140.0 µg/L	Over SMCL	76	F
5	Liberal	49.8 µg/L	No	9	D
6	Atchison	22.7 µg/L	No	55	C-
7	Wellington	13.0 µg/L	No	32	C-
8	Sedgwick	13.0 µg/L	No	0	B+
9	Coldwater	9.0 µg/L	No	10	B+
10	Waverly	8.4 µg/L	No	1	A-
11	Hays	8.1 µg/L	No	49	F
12	Parsons	5.3 µg/L	No	71	C+
13	Olathe	4.3 µg/L	No	5	B
14	Emporia	3.6 µg/L	No	16	C+
15	El Dorado	3.2 µg/L	No	32	D
16	Salina	3.0 µg/L	No	9	F
17	Neosho Rapids	2.9 µg/L	No	0	B+
18	Derby	2.8 µg/L	No	11	B-
19	Benton	2.7 µg/L	No	1	A-
20	Newton	2.6 µg/L	No	2	B+
21	Manhattan	2.3 µg/L	No	19	C-
22	Winfield	2.2 µg/L	No	8	B
23	Topeka	2.1 µg/L	No	56	F
24	Gardner	2.1 µg/L	No	11	A-
25	Lawrence	1.9 µg/L	No	2	B-
26	Fort Leavenworth	1.5 µg/L	No	4	A+
27	Frontenac	1.4 µg/L	No	15	B
28	Kansas City	1.4 µg/L	No	1	A-
29	Iola	1.2 µg/L	No	19	D+
30	Ottawa	1.1 µg/L	No	22	C+
31	Hutchinson	0.9 µg/L	No	5	D+
32	Wichita	0.8 µg/L	No	4	B+
33	Junction City	0.7 µg/L	No	21	D
34	Augusta	0.6 µg/L	No	18	B
35	Arkansas City	0.5 µg/L	No	7	C-

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about manganese in Kansas

Is manganese in Kansas tap water harmful?

The EPA secondary MCL for manganese is 50 µg/L, set primarily for aesthetic reasons (taste, color, staining). 4 cities in Kansas exceed the secondary MCL. However, emerging research links chronic manganese exposure above 50–100 µg/L to neurodevelopmental effects in children, including reduced IQ.

How can I remove manganese from my drinking water?

Oxidation filtration (such as greensand or birm filters) is the most common and effective method for removing manganese from well water. Water softeners using ion exchange also work well. Standard carbon filters provide limited manganese removal. If your water has a metallic taste or brown/black discoloration, manganese may be the cause.

What causes high manganese in Kansas water?

Manganese occurs naturally in groundwater and surface water, particularly in areas with iron-rich geology. Low dissolved oxygen conditions (common in deep wells and reservoir bottom waters) increase manganese solubility. Industrial sources include mining, steel production, and battery manufacturing. Seasonal changes in reservoir water chemistry can cause manganese spikes.

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