Researchers from the University of California, Riverside disclosed alarming findings about water quality in California’s Central Valley. The study reveals that manganese levels in drinking water can surpass safe limits, potentially affecting cognitive and motor functions and, in adults, occasionally presenting symptoms similar to early Parkinsonism. The work appears in Environmental Science and Technology, highlighting a broader public health concern for water supplies across the region. — Science and Technology; University of California, Riverside.
Although manganese is a naturally occurring element found in many water sources in tiny amounts, it plays a beneficial role in health when intake is balanced and moderate. Problems arise when exposure is excessive, as elevated manganese in water has been linked to neurological symptoms such as tremors and muscle rigidity, with possible developmental impacts for children and potential harms to liver and kidney function. The study explains how risks rise with higher concentrations and repeated exposure, noting that safe levels depend on daily intake and exposure duration. — Science and Technology; University of California, Riverside.
In the Central Valley, the investigation shows that private well systems bear the brunt of higher manganese concentrations, with a sizable share of tested wells reporting elevated levels. Yet manganese appears beyond private sources as well, with several public water systems found to contain concerning amounts. This pattern suggests a widespread issue that can affect households regardless of water source, though privately owned wells often lack the same level of monitoring and treatment options available to public utilities. — Science and Technology; University of California, Riverside.
The report highlights a disproportionate impact on lower income communities. In neighborhoods with fewer resources, many residents rely on water supplies that carry manganese above recommended limits, raising concerns about health equity and access to clean drinking water. The data imply that exposure risk aligns with economic constraints, underscoring the need for targeted intervention to protect vulnerable populations. — Science and Technology; University of California, Riverside.
Looking ahead, the researchers advocate practical steps to reduce exposure, including subsidized access to home filtration systems that remove manganese for low income households. The aim is to ensure more families can provide safe drinking water without a heavy financial burden. The findings urge policymakers and public health agencies to increase testing, offer affordable filtration solutions, and strengthen water quality standards to prevent harmful manganese levels from appearing in communities across California and beyond. — Science and Technology; University of California, Riverside.