The City of Kotzebue released a health advisory today of elevated manganese levels in the city's drinking water. Sample results showed that the average manganese levels last month (0.46 mg/l) were over 50% higher than acceptable levels from the Environmental Protection Agency (0.3 mg/l). The EPA has linked long-term exposure to high levels of manganese to a neurological condition similar to Parkinson's Disease.
According to the city officials, Kotzebue’s water treatment plant is not “reliably and consistently” removing manganese below the maximum contamination levels.
Infants under six months old are particularly vulnerable to high manganese. The city recommends using bottled water for formula and preparing food.
City officials say boiling water will not reduce manganese and can increase the levels.
They expect the water will not be cleared for several weeks until at least June 21 as the city works on a permanent solution.
