One of the most common contaminants of well and municipal water systems is iron. Iron contamination can be found in two general forms, ferric iron which consists of particles of solid iron (rust) that can be removed by mechanical water filters (sediment filters), and ferrous or dissolved iron which must be removed from water by special iron water filters. In addition to causing an unpleasant metallic taste, iron in drinking and household water can cause unsightly staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry.

Common effects of excess iron in water are a reddish-brown color, stained laundry and plumbing fixtures, and poor tasting water. When used in the laundry, it soon stains washables with reddish-brown discolorations.

Iron imparts a disagreeable metallic taste to water. Even when water contains small amounts of iron a disagreeable, somewhat astringent quality is apparent. Naturally when iron is present in detectable amounts, it can ruin the flavor of tea, coffee and other beverages. Further, the combination of soluble iron and certain of the constituents in the beverages gives them an unappetizing, inky black appearance.

Water collects iron in several ways. Even as it falls through the air, water acquires small amounts of the oxides of iron found in the atmospheric dust. Water, rich in carbon dioxide, readily dissolves iron from the earth's plentiful deposits as it leaches these in its underground flow. Water containing soluble iron is clear and colorless when drawn into the sink or tub. When it comes into contact with the air, the iron forms a gelatinous precipitate. The stains that result are extremely hard to remove.

An equally common but less well understood problem is infestation of water supplies with iron bacteria. Iron bacteria are a natural part of the environment in most parts of the world. These microorganisms combine dissolved iron or manganese with oxygen and use it to form rust-colored deposits. In the process, the bacteria produce a brown slime that builds up on well screens, pipes, and plumbing fixtures.

The first step in diagnosing an iron problem is to determine how much of the problem is caused by an accumulation of iron bacteria in the well and how much is caused by either dissolved or particulate iron in the water.

Start with a few simple visual observations:

If iron bacteria are present, there will be a buildup of rusty colored slime in the toilet water tank.

Another typical symptom of iron bacteria problems is a gradual increase in taste, odor and staining problems over time. Iron bacteria can also buildup on the pump screen or well casing and inside water pipelines, and gradually begin to plug them.

If mineral iron is the main problem then a hard rusty colored deposit will accumulate on everything in the toilet water tank.

Specific iron removal treatment equipment will be required to remove iron from water and improve your water quality.