Ironwood Puts Out Water Advisory For Michigan, Wisconsin Residents

A Michigan city bordering Wisconsin says samples collected from drinking water wells have found high levels of manganese.

In a release, Ironwood officials said levels of the naturally occurring metal found in water leaving its treatment plant were at 280 parts per billion.

A health advisory from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said infants shouldn’t be exposed to more than 300 parts per billion over a 10-day period. Ironwood officials are advising families in the Ironwood and Hurley area to use bottled water to prepare formula and food for children under 1 year old.

Infants exposed to high levels of the metal over time could see increased risk for learning and behavior problems.

The city sampled its drinking water after receiving complaints from customers about discolored water.

Ironwood has turned off a well that’s experiencing the highest levels of manganese. The city said it’s in compliance with all drinking water standards. Officials say they’re working with Michigan health and environmental agencies to investigate manganese levels in homes.