What Causes Iron in Well Water?
Rocks and soil contain iron, which can dissolve in water and leak into wells. Iron poses no danger to health but can give well water an unpleasant taste and stain utensils and appliances. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sources of Iron
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Snow and rain dissolve the iron in rocks and soil, causing iron to contaminate well water. Water also can pick up the mineral from rusty iron or steel pipes.
Types of Iron
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Water that comes out of the faucet clear but turns red or brown after standing contains clear-water iron. Water that comes out of the faucet red or yellow contains red-water iron. Organic iron, formed when iron combines with organic acids, is often yellow or brown. Well water can also contain bacteria that eat iron. Iron bacteria are harmless to humans but can give water a swampy taste and create slimy red deposits in pipes and plumbing fixtures.
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Water Testing
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Before trying to remove iron from your water, have the water tested for iron concentration, iron bacteria, pH, alkalinity and hardness.
Iron Removal
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Water softeners can help remove clear-water iron. Filtration may work best for red-water iron. Chemical oxidation and filtration can remove organic iron. Chlorination can kill iron bacteria.
More Information
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Your county extension office or health department can offer advice on water treatments, and may offer water testing as well.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit draw-well image by 26kot from Fotolia.com
