Manganese Contamination

Manganese in Missouri Drinking Water

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

Cities Tested

Over SMCL

% Over SMCL

5.9 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 18% vs national

vs National

426

Health Violations

Analysis

Manganese in Missouri: what the data shows

Missouri has 74 cities with manganese data from the EPA's UCMR 4 program (2018–2020). Manganese exceeded the 50 µg/L EPA secondary MCL in 0 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 5.9 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

Missouri

0 of 74 cities

← ▼ 18% below national rate (better)

National avg

18%

729 of 4068 cities

City Map

Manganese data across Missouri

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 Missouri

Highest Manganese levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Missouri cities ranked by manganese level

#	City	Level	Over SMCL?	Violations	Grade
1	Lebanon	43.1 µg/L	No	16	B
2	Des Peres	31.0 µg/L	No	2149	F
3	St. Peters	29.3 µg/L	No	0	B+
4	Higginsville	18.0 µg/L	No	17	B+
5	Sedalia	17.4 µg/L	No	60	F
6	Wentzville	15.8 µg/L	No	9	A-
7	Bunn	14.7 µg/L	No	38	F
8	Bunn	14.7 µg/L	No	17	C+
9	Maryville	14.2 µg/L	No	21	C+
10	Kennett	14.1 µg/L	No	1	B
11	Winfield	13.3 µg/L	No	35	B-
12	Columbia	11.6 µg/L	No	52	C
13	Liberty	10.5 µg/L	No	8	C+
14	St. Joseph	9.0 µg/L	No	1	A-
15	St. Joseph	9.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
16	St. Joseph	9.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
17	St. Joseph	9.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
18	St. Joseph	9.0 µg/L	No	0	A-
19	Unionville	8.7 µg/L	No	22	B-
20	Troy	8.5 µg/L	No	87	F
21	California	6.9 µg/L	No	5	A-
22	Carthage	6.8 µg/L	No	21	D+
23	Jefferson City	5.8 µg/L	No	19	B+
24	Westphalia	5.7 µg/L	No	18	B+
25	Desloge	5.6 µg/L	No	0	B+
26	Chesterfield	4.9 µg/L	No	11	B-
27	Excelsior Spgs.	4.9 µg/L	No	3	B+
28	O Fallon	4.7 µg/L	No	10	F
29	Joplin	4.7 µg/L	No	53	F
30	Kirksville	4.5 µg/L	No	15	A-
31	Blue Springs	4.5 µg/L	No	0	B+
32	Gladstone	3.9 µg/L	No	0	B+
33	Grandview	3.9 µg/L	No	0	A-
34	St. Charles	3.4 µg/L	No	0	B+
35	Sikeston	2.9 µg/L	No	5	B
36	Fulton	2.8 µg/L	No	13	B+
37	St. Robert	2.7 µg/L	No	19	D
38	Lathrop	2.7 µg/L	No	3	B
39	Warrensburg	2.5 µg/L	No	0	B+
40	Branson	2.3 µg/L	No	70	D
41	Holden	2.2 µg/L	No	8	A
42	Bowling Green	2.2 µg/L	No	7	B+
43	Savannah	2.2 µg/L	No	1	A
44	Bolivar	1.9 µg/L	No	31	B
45	Marshall	1.8 µg/L	No	33	B-
46	Neosho	1.8 µg/L	No	21	C-
47	Nixa	1.7 µg/L	No	33	C
48	Grain Valley	1.6 µg/L	No	1	A
49	Webb City	1.6 µg/L	No	8	A-
50	Jane	1.6 µg/L	No	1	A-
51	Raymoor	1.4 µg/L	No	4	A
52	Macon	1.3 µg/L	No	11	A-
53	Stockton	1.3 µg/L	No	49	D
54	Poplar Bluff	1.2 µg/L	No	47	C
55	Kewanee	1.2 µg/L	No	1	B+
56	Lees Summit	1.1 µg/L	No	1	B+
57	Republic	1.1 µg/L	No	5	A-
58	Kirkwood	1.0 µg/L	No	0	A+
59	Jackson	1.0 µg/L	No	72	C+
60	Battlefield	1.0 µg/L	No	11	A-
61	Barnhart	0.9 µg/L	No	1	A-
62	Rolla	0.8 µg/L	No	32	D
63	Independence	0.8 µg/L	No	0	B
64	Billings	0.8 µg/L	No	11	A-
65	St. Louis	0.7 µg/L	No	28	F
66	Kansas City	0.7 µg/L	No	1	B
67	Ozark	0.7 µg/L	No	65	F
68	Arnold	0.6 µg/L	No	0	B
69	Festus	0.6 µg/L	No	20	C
70	Hannibal	0.6 µg/L	No	34	C+
71	Moberly	0.5 µg/L	No	14	A-
72	Springfield	0.5 µg/L	No	59	F
73	Belton	0.5 µg/L	No	5	B-
74	Cape Girardeau	0.4 µg/L	No	127	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about manganese in Missouri

Is manganese in Missouri tap water harmful?

The EPA secondary MCL for manganese is 50 µg/L, set primarily for aesthetic reasons (taste, color, staining). No cities in Missouri 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 Missouri 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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