The Importance of Community Action in Combating Manganese in Drinking Water
- Published:
- Updated: December 16, 2024
Summary
Manganese, naturally present in water, poses health risks if levels are high. Sources include natural deposits, agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, pipe corrosion, and atmospheric deposition.
- Natural Sources: Manganese from geological formations dissolves into water sources.
- Industrial Activities: Mining and metal processing can release manganese into water.
- Regulations vary globally, with WHO suggesting a guideline of 0.4 mg/L. Community action is vital in testing, advocacy, and collaboration to address manganese contamination and ensure safe drinking water for all.
Manganese is an element that’s naturally present in the soil, air, food and water. It is a macronutrient we need to function properly. But, if it’s found in water too much, it can be a health problem. Consumption of high doses of manganese causes neurological disorders, and in children it can affect intelligence and even behaviour.
The human body is tolerant of trace amounts of manganese, but high levels of manganese can be fatal to the body. Manganese in tap water, in other words, is an issue we need to be solving at a very earliest opportunity because it impacts the least of our fellow human beings – the child and the elderly.
The Sources of Manganese in Drinking Water
Manganese can find its way into a people’s water through various means, from natural processes to industrial contamination. Here are the main ways manganese can show up in water:
Sources Natural Sources: Manganese is a natural element found naturally in the crust of the earth and its inclusion in water can be explained by geology. The minerals manganese can exist in rocks, soils and sediments, and these dissolve into groundwater or surface waters. Exposure to these minerals will attract manganese and transport it into drinking water.
Agricultural Runoff: Agriculture (use of manganese-rich fertiliser or pesticides) might lead to manganese in water supplies. They can get into the water through runoff or leaching, especially if these chemicals are applied to crops or agricultural fields. This runoff can then flow into the local water supply such as public drinking water tanks or the ground.
Industries: Industrial processes discharge manganese into the air which can then infiltrate drinking water. Mining, metal-working, steel-making, battery-making and other manganese-intensive industries may also leak manganese-laden effluent. These industrial wastes, if not treated, can enter water bodies and leach into the drinking water supply.
Corrosion of Pipes and Plumbing: Manganese can also get into drinking water by corrosion of pipes and plumbing systems. Some older systems even have iron or steel pipes that rust and release manganese particles into the water. Other plumbing materials or appliances with manganese in them (galvanized iron pipes, brass fixtures) also can add manganese to the water.
Manganese Atmospheric Deposition: Manganese particles can be suspended in the atmosphere by natural means (dust, volcanic ash, etc.) Or human-made processes (combustion, industrial exhaust). These grits can settle on the land and water bottoms, where they may end up in the waterways and even in the drinking water.
Keep in mind, the amount of manganese in drinking water varies considerably from source to source and region to region. There are rules and guidelines on the concentration of maganese in water to keep things at acceptable levels for public health reasons. If the community has manganese problems, then call local water departments or health agencies for testing, treatment or remediation.
Regulations and Guidelines on Manganese Levels in Drinking Water
The guidelines for manganese levels in drinking water vary from country to country. A guideline value of 0.4 mg/L for manganese in drinking water recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent discoloration and unpleasant tastes is also recommended. But there’s something important to realise here: this value is not a binary between good and bad.
Some countries are more strict. Canada, for instance, has lower manganese levels in drinking water than the WHO’s: 0.12 mg/L. These are values – and it’s typically up to the local water providers and local people to make sure that these standards are followed.
Current State of Manganese Contamination in Drinking Water
This problem with manganese in tap water isn’t unique — communities around the world are wrestling with it. Others have found manganese levels in their water supplies that are higher than the advised levels, and there are now growing fears of the health risks.
Manganese contamination is not, alas, a clean problem. It demands infrastructure, funding and partnership. That’s where community comes into play and it takes waking up and standing up for clean water.
What is the Role of Community Action in Addressing Manganese Contamination?
Action from society comes to the rescue for problems such as manganese contamination. We can collectively demand water that is better, that water tests be increased, that the water treatment plants be better filtered.
The force of community should not be dismissed. Collective action can translate into a concrete shift, so water providers and regulators make sure we have clean water. A shared community voice can be able to drive the message of the issue to the foreground.
How to Mobilize Your Community to Take Action
So how do you mobilize your community to take action against manganese contamination? Here are some actionable steps:
- Educate: The first step is to educate your community about the issue. Hold community meetings, distribute informational pamphlets, or use social media to spread awareness.
- Test: Encourage community members to have their water tested for manganese and other contaminants. This can provide concrete evidence to spur action.
- Advocate: Contact local officials, write to your representatives, and attend town or city council meetings to voice your concerns.
- Collaborate: Partner with local schools, businesses, and organizations to amplify your voice and reach a broader audience.
What does the future hold for community action in combating manganese contamination?
As for the future, the community response to manganese contamination will be even more important. The more we know about the impact of manganese and other contaminants on our health, the more communities will be able to press for and effect change.
The future of social action is bright. The more that communities acknowledge their agency, the more success stories of communities taking ownership of their water will appear. Manganese contamination is a collective issue, and we can fight for clean water that’s safe for everyone.
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