Water will dissolve anything it comes in contact with over time.  It’s the universal solvent.  Iron is the mineral that stains our clothes, toilet, shower, and bathtub.  Even high amounts will turn our hair orange.  Iron is not pleasant and does not clean up well.  It can be one of the most troubling and unstable contaminants to solve.

How does iron get into the water, and what are the types of iron in water?
As water travels through the earth’s surface, it picks up small amounts of iron.  This type of iron is called ferrous iron or clear water iron.  It is clear and colorless because it is dissolved in the water.  When iron goes back to its original form, a particle is called ferric iron or red water iron.  When irony water is mixed with air or oxygen, it will precipitate into ferric iron.  Also, changes to the water regarding temperature, pH levels, and pressure of the water will encourage water to go back to ferric form.

We wanted to note that iron derives from other forms such as bacterial iron and sequestered iron-on city-supplied water.  Still, proper testing is required to identify specific iron and treat it appropriately.

Is iron a health concern in my water?
No, it is not hazardous to your health.

What are the effects of iron in my water?
Water with iron will stain fixtures, water-using appliances, clothes, and any other surface with which it comes in contact.  Over time, a home’s plumbing system can become clogged with iron, often reducing water flow through the pipes.  Tap water with iron will sometimes produce a metallic, making it unpleasant to drink.  Iron can also produce an unwelcome odor in your water too.  If not adequately treated, iron will even plug a water softener.  This contaminant will make homeowners spend hundreds of dollars on cleaning agents to clean their home and maintain appliances.  It is often more economical to spend money on a water treatment system to remove iron than to purchase cleaning agents over time.

At what level will iron stain?
Iron will stain at .3 parts per million (ppm) or higher.

How do you treat iron in water?
A water softener is recommended with any iron in the water.  In addition, a backwashing iron filter is recommended for iron levels near or above five ppm.  Many homeowners are unfamiliar with how backwashing filters operate.  A backwashing filter does not require chemicals, but introduces oxygen into the water.  The oxygen precipitates the iron into a ferric form, and the iron particles are backwashed out of the water treatment system.  It is recommended to backwash these filters frequently so as not to foul the media inside the tank.

If you feel you have an issue with iron in your water, don’t hesitate to contact our water professionals.  They are certified through the Water Quality Association and have many years of experience dealing with iron and many other contaminants.  They can be reached at 815-385-3093 or contact us.