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The situation regarding newly installed manganese greensand revolves around the proper maintenance and handling of the filter media after backwashing. Backwashing is a process used to clean the filter material, but if the fine particles or "fines" are not properly skimmed off after this process, several issues can arise.

In this case, shorter filter runs can occur because the accumulation of fines means that the filter bed cannot effectively perform its job of removing contaminants from the water. Fines can clog the spaces between the larger grains of manganese greensand, which reduces the overall surface area available for filtration, leading to a rapid buildup of pressure and decreased flow rates. As a result, the filter becomes less efficient and may need to be cleaned or replaced sooner than expected, which translates into shorter filter runs.

While other choices present potential concerns, such as mudball formation, cracks developing in the bed, and uneven flow through the bed, the primary and most direct consequence of failing to skim the fines is that the filtration process becomes impaired, necessitating more frequent maintenance. This emphasizes the importance of properly managing the installation and ongoing care of manganese greensand filters to ensure optimal performance and longevity.