Well number nine is a noisy place. It's one of Brooklyn Center's wells, where water is pumped up from deep underground. The water is then tested and treated, before it travels to faucets and fountains around the city.

"We received an advisory in June 2012 talking about an emerging issue of manganese in the water," said Curt Boganey, city manager for Brooklyn Center. "We want people to know from all indications, the water in Brooklyn Center is safe to drink."

Manganese is a natural element found in water all across Minnesota. City officials say it's been present in Brooklyn Center water as long as the city has kept records. But, new advisories prompted Brooklyn Center to take action to lower manganese levels.

"This is an area of emerging science at this point," said Buddy Ferguson, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Health. "Statewide we do not test for manganese. It is not regulated under the safe drinking act."

Some manganese is required in your everyday diet, but too much manganese could damage the central nervous system and may affect learning and behavior. Ferguson says more research must be done to define the effects of manganese on the human body.

There's no law regulating cities and municipalites test their water for manganese and there's no law stating how much manganese should be allowed in drinking water. However, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued guidelines saying there should be 100 parts per billion or less for formula-fed infants and infants who drink tap water. There should be 300 parts per billion for everyone else. Brooklyn Center's average level is 350 parts per billion.

The city insists the drinking water is safe and they've already taken steps to voluntarily lower levels.

"We are going to be changing the way we blend our water and we think that immediately we're going to be able to reduce our parts per billion below 300," said Boganey.

In the past few weeks, the city decreased the amount of water coming from wells with higher amounts of manganese, plus they are exploring longer term solutions like purchasing filtered water from other cities.

Brooklyn Center has advised everyone to follow the Minnesota Department of Health's guidelines, which suggest if you do have an infant less than a year old in your house you can safely abide by three options: Breastfeed your baby, use bottled water where manganese has been removed, or filter your drinking water at home. Be advised that not all bottled water has had manganese removed and you might have to call the company to find out.

Shannon Slatton, reporting

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12 News is on Comcast cable channel 12 in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis and includes the cities Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.