WELL WATER IN FLORIDA
I am going to discuss some of
the most common problems found in Florida and Southern Ga. And then we can look
at ways to repair those problems.
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 and 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 and 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.
Test Your Water
If there is an iron problem with the water supply, the first step is to
determine the source. The source of iron may be from the corrosion of iron or
steel pipes or other components of the plumbing system where the acidity of the
water, measured as pH, is below 6.5.
A laboratory analysis of water to determine
the extent of the iron problem and possible treatment solutions should begin
with a test for iron concentration. This should be done on site but if that is
not possible then a mail in water sample will work except for hydrogen sulfides
since this in a gas that vaporizes very quickly.
If the source of water is a public water
system and you experience iron-related problems, it is important to contact a
utility official to determine whether the red water is from the public system
or from the home’s plumbing or piping.
Much of the above is thanks to the State of
Illinois research
