Iron
What is iron?
Iron is a naturally occurring metal and one of the earth's most plentiful chemicals. It makes up at least five percent of the earth's crust. Rainfall seeping through the soil dissolves iron in the earth's surface. From there, rain carries the iron into almost every kind of natural water supply. This includes private drinking water wells. Although iron occurs naturally in ground water, it is rarely at concentrations greater than 10,000 micrograms per liter (ug/L).
Iron exists in a number of forms in water. Water with high iron levels can form reddish brown particles that settle to the bottom of a glass of water. When iron combines with tea, coffee and other beverages, it can produce an inky, black appearance and a harsh, unacceptable taste. Vegetables cooked in water containing excessive iron turn dark and look unappealing.
Concentrations of iron as low as 300 ug/L can leave reddish brown stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry that can be very hard to remove. When these deposits break loose from water piping, rusty water will flow through the faucet.
Finally, excess iron may cause the growth of iron bacteria. Iron bacteria leave a reddish brown or yellow slime that can clog plumbing. The slime can also cause an offensive odor. You may notice this slime or sludge in your toilet tank.
What is iron?
Iron is a naturally occurring metal and one of the earth's most plentiful chemicals. It makes up at least five percent of the earth's crust. Rainfall seeping through the soil dissolves iron in the earth's surface. From there, rain carries the iron into almost every kind of natural water supply. This includes private drinking water wells. Although iron occurs naturally in ground water, it is rarely at concentrations greater than 10,000 micrograms per liter (ug/L).
Iron exists in a number of forms in water. Water with high iron levels can form reddish brown particles that settle to the bottom of a glass of water. When iron combines with tea, coffee and other beverages, it can produce an inky, black appearance and a harsh, unacceptable taste. Vegetables cooked in water containing excessive iron turn dark and look unappealing.
Concentrations of iron as low as 300 ug/L can leave reddish brown stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry that can be very hard to remove. When these deposits break loose from water piping, rusty water will flow through the faucet.
Finally, excess iron may cause the growth of iron bacteria. Iron bacteria leave a reddish brown or yellow slime that can clog plumbing. The slime can also cause an offensive odor. You may notice this slime or sludge in your toilet tank.
