Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in the Earth’s crust, and it plays a vital role in various biological processes. While it is essential in small amounts for human health—contributing to bone formation, metabolism, and antioxidant activity—excessive levels in drinking water can pose significant challenges. This blog post explores what manganese is, why it’s present in our water supplies, where it is most prevalent, and the potential issues it can cause in both health and household plumbing systems.