Health officials are advising families in a southwestern Michigan not to allow infants to drink from a city's water system after finding elevated levels of manganese.
The city of Battle Creek began distributing bottled water Thursday following an announcement that manganese was identified exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's health advisory level.
Battle Creek officials say adults and children older than 12 months can drink tap water. The city also advises against boiling water, which may increase manganese levels.
The EPA says manganese is a natural element found in air, soil and water that can be dangerous in high concentrations. It can affect the nervous system and has been linked to learning and behavioral problems later in life.
The city is investigating the cause of the high levels.
