ELY TOWNSHIP, MI— Ely Township officials have issued a do-not-drink advisory for infants under 12 months for those on the Greenwood water system.
Tests of township wells indicate higher levels of manganese than is advised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA suggests 300 parts per billion for short-term exposure for children a year or younger. Testing results were 390 ppb for Well 2, 760 ppb in Well 3, and 610 ppb in Well 4.
The township is only using Well 2, and is providing bottled water for families with infants 12 months and younger.
Officials say some manganese is needed for the human body to function, but too much can be harmful. The bodies of adults and children older than 12 months can remove excess manganese; infants’ bodies may not be able to process higher levels.
Do not boil the water, as that may increase the amount of manganese.
Ely Township is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Marquette County Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to investigate the levels.
