Iron Levels In Well Water

High levels of iron can be fatal but the amount found in drinking water is typically too low to be dangerous.

Iron levels in well water.

The facts about iron in well water that i can explain is from more of a practical point of view. It is an essential element for humans and it is used in a variety of industrial processes. The maximum level of iron recommended in water is 0 3 mg l. We ll refer to iron and manganese as sister elements neither are listed as health concerns but both together or each on their own at high enough levels can ruin the appearance of a home by staining and may cause costly damage.

Some filters like water softeners are ideal. That lovely orangey red water mentioned in the beginning of this article is ferric iron. In drinking water supplies iron ii salts are unstable and are precipitated as insoluble iron iii. It is also found in drinking water.

Though it is one of the most prevalent water quality issues faced by well owners there are many solutions to rid your water of this unwelcome mineral. It finds its way into well water naturally or as a result of problems with the well construction or pipe system. Iron is one of the most abundant elements on earth. Iron problems in well water after hardness in well water iron is the most common water problem dealt with by homeowners with well water unfortunately iron is also difficult to treat to a satisfactory level.

When the level of iron in water exceeds the 0 3 mg l limit the water may have a red brown or yellow color and stain laundry and fixtures. In well water iron concentrations below 0 3 mg litre were characterized as unnoticeable whereas levels of 0 3 3 mg litre were found acceptable e. Iron typically appears within well water in two common forms ferric iron r ed water iron. Water with a rusty tint and metallic taste often indicates the presence of iron in your well water.

Because of these effects the environmental protection agency sets the secondary maximum contaminant level for iron at 0. Iron is a mineral that is essential for good health in certain doses. Iron is one of the most common contaminants faced by well owners. Iron containing water also stains laundry and dishes and causes buildup in pipes and tanks.

This difficulty is due to the fact that iron can be found in well water in several forms each of which may require a different water treatment for removal or control. From muddy colored glasses of drinking water to bright orange streaks in toilets and bathtubs iron leaves a trail of stains discoloration and foul tastes in its wake. Ferric iron is clear well water that has been exposed to oxygen oxidized forming visible rust giving the water a reddish color. Dahi personal communication 1991.

This is the same as saying 0 3 parts per million or ppm. Threshold value was 0 12 mg litre. With the right water filter however you can remove iron from your well water quickly and easily. Besides hardness high iron levels in water is the most common problem well owners deal with.