Manganese Info

On June 14, 2018, the City of Battle Creek -- in conjunction with the Calhoun County Public Health Department, and state departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services -- issued a drinking water advisory for infants under 12 months old (and shortly thereafter, added those with significant liver disease).

This was due to elevated levels of the element manganese found in the city's drinking water, in the cities of Springfield and Battle Creek. Manganese occurs naturally, and is found in many foods, rocks and soil. The human body requires a small amount, but too much can be harmful to our health.

Follow-up testing across the city's water distribution system showed no danger -- manganese levels were well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, and multiple samples showed "non-detect" results.

This web page is comprised of the information from that advisory, the sample testing reports, and more information related to this issue. Anyone with additional questions can contact the Department of Public Works at 269-966-3343.