BRUCE, Wis. – Wells that supply Bruce with water have unsafe levels of manganese. A state water safety expert, Steven Elmore, had a clear message: Don’t drink the stuff. Elmor noted that manganese is a naturally occurring element in the rocks, but: “Unfortunately it’s not safe to drink at high levels.” Manganese, he said, is especially dangerous for people younger than 6 months and older than 50 because of effects on the nervous system. The water, however, can be used for washing, laundry and dishes. Bruce, population 800, 45 miles up the Chippewa River from Chippewa Falls.
