The State Water Resources Control Board is lowering the notification and response levels for manganese in drinking water based on data evaluating potential health risks to formula-fed infants. Public water systems must now take certain actions when manganese levels are exceeded. Notification and response levels are non-regulatory health-based thresholds used for contaminants that do not currently have a state-established primary maximum contaminant level. Public notification or additional actions may be warranted to reduce exposure. … Officials say that as the first step toward establishing a primary maximum contaminant level for manganese, the State Water Board has requested that the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment develop a Public Health Goal for manganese.

Other water quality news:

• Redheaded Blackbelt (Phillipsville, Calif.): Unknown substance turns Redwood Creek white, reaches South Fork Eel River