Iron in Water: Signs, Effects & Removal

Key Takeaways:

• Common signs of iron in water include reddish-brown stains on fixtures, metallic taste, foul smell, and visible sediment or discolored water.
• Iron contamination can cause blockages in plumbing, reduce water quality, promote iron bacteria growth, and affect the efficiency of water systems.
• While not harmful in small amounts, high iron levels can lead to digestive issues and may encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Effective methods to remove iron from water include aeration, filtration, water softeners, chemical oxidation, and reverse osmosis systems.

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Removing iron from borehole water can be challenging.

Iron compounds, which are prevalent in rock and soil, dissolve easily in water. The Earth’s crust is a major source of iron, so it is often found in groundwater supplies. The presence of iron in water can affect water quality and may require treatment to prevent issues.

 

How Iron Gets into Water

Iron typically enters water sources through natural processes. Acidic groundwater or water with low oxygen levels can dissolve higher concentrations of iron as it passes through mineral-rich rocks and soil, carrying the dissolved iron into boreholes, wells, and other sources. Iron can also contaminate water through corroding plumbing systems. Additionally, iron bacteria, which oxidize iron compounds and form biofilms, can exacerbate iron buildup. Iron contamination may also result from pollution, such as septic tanks, slurry pits, or landfill sites, or from overlying peat or thick clays.

 

Effects of Iron in Water

When iron is exposed to air, it oxidises and can cause blockages in borehole pumps and well screens. If left untreated, iron oxide will begin to deteriorate the borehole pumping system and pipes. This biofouling can clog the intake of water to the well and affect the pump, making the well less efficient.

Iron in the water also promotes undesirable bacterial growth (“iron bacteria”) within a waterworks and distribution system, resulting in the deposition of a slimy coating on the piping.

The build-up of iron in water causes a rusty colour in water supplies and can cause illness if consumed in large quantities.

 

Signs of Iron in Water

There are several ways to recognise iron in your borehole water:

• Rust-coloured slime is visible inside pumps, blocking main lines and laterals, or in drippers, sprinklers, and other fixtures.
• Overall system performance is decreased, and water flow from the bore is reduced.
• Water pumped from the well is foul-smelling, cloudy, or rust-coloured.
• Pavement and trim around piping and taps appear badly stained.

 

Testing and Maintenance for Borehole Water

If you are a well owner, it is always wise to regularly have your well checked for any issues, especially if you have noticed a drop in yield or discolouration. Get the water tested by a borehole specialist or hydrologist to determine the level of iron in water.

 

Methods to Remove Iron from Water

There are different methods to remove iron from borehole water:

• Reverse Osmosis: This filtration method can effectively reduce iron levels in water.
• Water Softeners: These can often effectively remove dissolved iron in water.
• Chemical Cleaning or Chlorination with Filtering: These methods can disinfect and remove iron from water.
• Scrubbing: This physical cleaning method can help reduce iron build-up in borehole systems.
• Jetting: This technique involves using high-pressure water jets to clean and remove iron deposits.

 

Contact Drilcorp for Professional Borehole Water Treatment

If you are experiencing issues with iron in water, Drilcorp can provide expert solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive testing, maintenance, and removal services to ensure your borehole water is clean and safe.

Contact Drilcorp today for a consultation and let us help you maintain the quality and efficiency of your water supply.