I Have Iron in My Well Water. Now What?

If you already know you have an issue with iron in your well water, you probably also know that you should address the problem with expedience. However, securing the right Iron Water treatment can be tricky if you don’t have a few key pieces of information. Before pursuing a specific treatment plan, make sure you know what kind of iron problem you have, wither you have one or multiple types of iron in your water, and what treatment options you can and can’t use for your specific issue.

Forms of Iron Found in Well Water

Iron is a common problem for those who use well water in their homes, and there are three unique forms the iron may take: bacterial, ferrous, and ferric.

• Bacterial iron is the most dangerous as it feeds harmful pathogens and bacteria that can enter your water supply. Bacterial iron can be filtered after chlorination and retention.
• Ferrous iron occurs in non-oxygenated water. There are multiple methods of iron water treatment for ferrous iron, but it requires a method based on ion exchange.
• Ferric iron occurs in oxidized water and creates a noticeable rusty color. This type of iron requires a high-quality filter and sometimes a coagulant. 

If the iron in your well water is above four parts per million, more intensive measures may need to be put in place to eradicate the iron from your water.

Getting Rid of Iron the Right Way

It is important to have your water professionally tested for iron because it is a serious problem that needs to be handled correctly. Iron in your water can damage hair and skin, create scum and build up in showers, sinks, toilets, and tubs, and may sometimes facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria. You need to be certain that you are appropriately addressing the type of iron problem you have and using the right method for the amount of iron present in your water.