PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A couple of Portage wells are now offline after tests discovered high levels of manganese in the water.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy took water samples from 8-well fields, including all 20-water wells in the city of Portage’s water supply network, back in March and recent results showed that 2-wells were above the EPA’s safe limit for manganese.
Both wells are considered back-up wells and do not pump water into the network every day, but as a precaution officials removed both wells from service and Portage customers were made aware of the results.
Manganese is a naturally occurring element and necessary nutrient commonly found in foods like nuts and green leafy vegetables but too much manganese can be harmful.
Officials say treatment for manganese is not necessary; however, a properly maintained in-home water softening or reverse osmosis treatment system may reduce manganese below the health advisory levels.
