The Upper Loup offers free testing of domestic drinking water wells to rural residents of the District. Domestic wells are a primary source of drinking water for many of our families and are very susceptible to nitrate and Coliform contamination due to their construction, location and age. The District highly recommends private wells be tested annually.
Nitrate-Nitrogen -
A water test for nitrate is highly recommended for households with infants, pregnant women, nursing mothers, or elderly people, as these groups are most susceptible to nitrates. Without a test, nitrate in water is undetectable because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Results are generally available within just a few days. Samples that test above the 10 parts-per-million (ppm), the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set by the Environmental Protection Agency, will be sent to a private laboratory for verification.
Bacteria -
The Upper Loup NRD is pleased to announce that bacteria analysis of water wells is also available to District residents. The EPA has established a “no presence” MCL for bacteria in drinking water. Coliform bacteria are microscopic, generally harmless organisms that live in the intestinal tract of many warm blooded animals including humans and are excreted into the environment through feces. Although most coliform bacteria are not directly disease causing, some are often found with other, more dangerous strains of bacteria like E. coli, shigella and salmonella. Some strains of E. coli are known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious gastrointestinal problems.
Manganese-
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, rock, food, and water. It is an essential nutrient required for many body functions, from the digestion and metabolism of nutrients to supporting bone health. The principal source of exposure to manganese is from food. The typical U.S. diet contains between 2,000-7,000 milligrams of manganese per day and the Food and Drug Administration recommends 2,000 milligrams of manganese per day for those 4 years of age and older. Manganese is commonly found in drinking water sources at levels around 0.05 milligrams per liter, however, levels above this can have an off taste, color, or odor, and cause staining in sinks or on laundry. Manganese is also often found in waters that contain iron.
Although manganese is naturally occurring and an essential nutrient at low levels, exposure to high levels may be associated with adverse central nervous system effects, particularly for formula-fed infants. Infants not only have a developing nervous system but higher absorption (40% compared to 3% in older children and adults) and lower excretion of manganese than older children or adults do, so they are more sensitive to the effects of high levels of manganese. Tremors, shaking and an unsteady gait are characteristic of very high exposure to manganese. This type of effect is most likely to occur in the elderly after a lifetime of exposure to high levels of manganese.
Manganese is not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set non-mandatory water quality standards (secondary maximum contaminant levels or SMCLs) that are used as guidelines to assist water systems with managing drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color, and odor. The SMCL for manganese of 0.05 milligrams per liter (.05 mg/L) in order to protect against black staining and bitter metallic-tasting water. The EPA set non-enforceable lifetime health advisory level of 0.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for chronic exposure and a 1-day and 10-day health advisory level of 1 mg/L for acute exposure. The EPA suggests 0.3 mg/L be used for both chronic and acute exposure for infants younger than 6 months old.
The appropriate treatment technologies will depend upon the concentrations of the iron and the manganese, over all water quality and which form the iron and manganese are in (dissolved, colloidal, or particulate).
Frequently Asked Questions
What levels of manganese are of concern in drinking water? It is recommended not to drink water that has manganese above the 0.3 mg/L guideline.
Can I drink this water? Elevated levels of manganese in the water can cause discoloration. If the water contains elevated levels of manganese or is discolored, it is recommended that you use an alternate water source for drinking.
Should I use this water to make formula for my baby? The most important things to do is to switch to bottled water or water that is low in manganese to make formula. Always best to speak to your health care provider.
Should I stop drinking that water if I am breastfeeding my child? No. No correlation between manganese levels in water and manganese levels in breast milk.
Can I cook with the water? No. As a precaution, do not use the water for cooking. DO NOT BOIL the water for boiling will concentrate the levels of manganese.
Can I use the water to make ice and drinks? No
Can I use the water to wash dishes? Yes
Can I bathe, shower, wash my hands or brush my teeth with the water? Yes
Can I give the water to my pets and livestock? Information is not available on the effect of elevated manganese in drinking water on pets and livestock. Please contact your veterinarian.
Samples - Water samples may be brought into the District office, or NRD staff will come to your home or farm and collect the sample. If bringing in a sample, please follow these few simple rules to insure sample reliability:
· Always use a clean, plastic bottle or glass jar to collect the sample. Sampling bottles are also available from the District office.
· Allow the cold water to run for approximately 10-15 minutes from well spigot, outside hydrant (remove hose), or house faucet to remove stagnant water in pipes and pressure tank. Please note the water must be untreated (no softened, distilled, or other treated water).
· Rinse bottle and cap; then fill bottle; and close cap tightly.
· Samples should be submitted for analysis as soon as possible after collection but may be stored up to 48 hours if refrigerated or kept on ice.