Iron in Drinking Water
 |
Iron is one of the most troublesome elements in water supplies. Making up at least 5 percent of the earth’s crust, iron is one of the earth’s most plentiful resources. Rainwater as it infiltrates the soil and underlying geologic formations dissolves iron, causing it to seep into aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater for wells. |
| Although present in drinking water, iron is seldom found at concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per liter (mg/l) or 10 parts per million. However, as little as 0.3 mg/l can cause water to turn a reddish brown color. Iron is mainly present in water in two forms: either the soluble ferrous iron or the insoluble ferric iron. Water containing ferrous iron is clear and colorless because the iron is completely dissolved. When exposed to air in the pressure tank or atmosphere, the water turns cloudy and a reddish brown substance begins to form. This sediment is the oxidized or ferric form of iron that will not dissolve in water. |
|
Health |
|
| Iron is not hazardous to health, but it is considered a secondary or aesthetic contaminant. Essential for good health, iron helps transport oxygen in the blood. Most tap water in the United States supplies approximately 5 percent of the dietary requirement for iron. | |
Taste & Food |
|
| Dissolved ferrous iron gives water a disagreeable taste. When the iron combines with tea, coffee and other beverages, it produces an inky, black appearance and a harsh, unacceptable taste. Vegetables cooked in water containing excessive iron turn dark and look unappealing. | |
Stains & Deposits |
|
| Concentrations of iron as low as 0.3 mg/l will leave reddish brown stains on fixtures, tableware and laundry that are very hard to remove. When these deposits break loose from water piping, rusty water will flow through the faucet. | |
Iron Bacteria |
|
| When iron exists along with certain kinds of bacteria, problems can become even worse. To survive, the bacteria utilize the iron, leaving behind a reddish brown or yellow slime that can clog plumbing and cause an offensive odor. This slime or sludge is noticeable in the toilet tank when the lid is removed | |
Organic Iron |
|
| Since iron combines with different naturally occurring organic materials, it may also exist as an organic complex. The combination of naturally occurring organic material and iron can be found in shallow wells and surface water. This type of iron is usually yellow or brown but may be colorless. |
green directory | green message boards
SOLUTIONS TO IRON PROBLEMS
As we stated above, there are several different types of Iron and therefore several different types of solutions to these problems.
Below I am going to give you examples of ways that can possibly be used to remove iron from your water supply.
AIR INJECTION
Air injection is our favorite method of removing iron from your water supply. Whether it is an NSS-7000, a NSS-7000C or an NSS-2510, they work great. Your choice of systems is based on individual well test results. Air injection also removes Hydrogen Sulfide and Manganese. Each Air Injection system is custom designed to fully match the water we are treating. Removes iron and is as GREEN as can possibly be.
ION EXCHANGE (Salt Softener)
In some circumstances ion exchange can be a good remedy for removing smaller amounts of iron. The benefit of Ion exchange is that along with removing Iron it also deals with the basic hardness of the water. We install Watts 1000 smart softeners, They use 15% less salt than other units, we also sell, Fleck Softeners, Clack Softeners.
CHLORINE
Chlorine can be used to oxidize iron, chlorine requires adequate contact time and thus some type of large holding tank, a chlorine pump for either liquid or pellets, a filter tank to remove the ferric iron and a carbon tank to remove the chlorine. There are several possible ways to set up a system using chlorine. Though we do at times install chlorinator pumps and holding tanks it is not usually for removal of Ferrous Iron or Ferric Iron. Usually when we choose chlorine it is because of Iron bacteria or organic Iron. These two do not lend themselves to removal by other means. In cases where we have Iron Bacteria(slimey stuff in the back of the toilet tank, or an oil film in the toilet tank) we usually recommend using the Sentry 1 Chlorinating unit manufactured by Better Water Industries and sold by us. This is an all in one unit, with a tank, pellet chlorinator. No mess, no liquid Chlorine to spill or damage metal. We put in the Sentry 1 and follow it with a combination filtration tank and dechlorinator tank, all in one to save both space and money
No matter what your water condition we have either the means to treat it or the heart to tell you that “you need a new well”. The people that work for us are water professionals and not just water treatment sales people. We are here to solve your problem and not just to take your hard earned money.
