VICKSBURG, Mich. — Vicksburg issued a precautionary advisory saying infants under 12 months old should not drink from the municipal water system until further notice.
Manganese is generally not harmful but; as infants under 12 months old develop at different rates than other children and adults, exposure to the increased levels for 10 or more days may lead to negative neurological effects.
The village says an independent test showed elevated levels of manganese in the water. the samples came from homes and businesses and showed between 10 and 320 parts per billion (ppb). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says safe levels for infants less than 12 months old is 300 ppb whereas older children and adults is 1,000 ppb. There is no current regulation for maganese
"As the manganese levels in the drinking water approach/exceed the EPA short-term health advisory for Infants, this Precautionary Notice is being distributed for Village of Vicksburg residents serviced by our water system until additional testing can be completed," The village stated. Results from additional testing should be received by 5 p.m. September 1st.
According Vicksburg officials, do not boil the water. Boiling water does not remove manganese and may increase the amount. Infants under 12 months old should be given bottled water for everything they consume until the test results are received. Children older than 12 months and adults can use tap water for drinking. The water is safe to bathe, shower, brush your teeth, wash clothes or food, or do the dishes.
Bottled water will be available for families with children under 12 months old. Delivery can be arranged by calling 269-649-1919 Monday - Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department is available for questions at 269-373-5210. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can be reached at 800-648-6942. These lines are available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
