Are you curious about what you need to do to test for iron in your water supply? It is not unusual for home water supplies to be contaminated with iron, as it is one of the most common particles found in household water in the country.
There are plenty of types of soil scattered across the country that are high in iron, and this iron can end up in your water. The best way to test for iron is to use a testing kit, which will instantly let you know whether you have an unsafe level of iron in your water supply.
Of course, it is also important for you to understand how iron can get into your water, how you can test for it, and what you need to do if your water’s iron level is too high. Learn more about iron stains and iron contamination, including hardness minerals, and invest in the best iron test for your home.
The Top Ways Ferric Iron Gets Into Your Drinking Water Supply
There are plenty of ways that soluble ferric iron could end up in your water supply, but some of the most common examples include:
Runoff From the Surface
You may have some dissolved ferrous iron running into your water supply from the surface. If you have a lot of iron in your soil and rocks, particularly those that are high in iron, the rainwater could wash the iron from the soil and rocks into your drinking water. If the land around your well has a lot of iron, your water supply could have a lot of iron as well.
Corroded Pipes
If your plumbing system is a bit old or corroded, corrosion from these pipes could deposit iron into your water supply. When your pipes are exposed to oxygen, the iron in them could gradually rust. then, as the rust flakes off your pipes into your water supply, you could have iron in your water. You need to inspect your plumbing system from time to time to make sure that your pipes are still working as expected.
How Do You Know If There Is Ferrous Iron in Your Water Supply?
How do you know if there is iron in your water supply? There are a few signs you may notice, and they include:
Unusual Color
If the color of the water coming out of your faucets and fixtures is not clear, it could be a sign that there is iron in your water supply. For example, you may notice that your drinking water is red and brown, or it might have a yellow or orange hue to it. You might also notice some stains on your plumbing fixtures. For example, there might be some unusual stains inside your toilet bowl, or there could be some stands on the exterior of your faucets.
Bad Taste
You may also notice that your water has an unusually bad taste. For example, you may notice a metallic taste in your water, which could be a sign that there is iron present. On the other hand, a metallic taste is not necessarily a guarantee that you have iron in your water supply.
For example, copper can lead to a metallic taste, as can zinc. You may also notice a metallic taste if there is lead, calcium, or magnesium in your water supply.
Clogs
There might even be a situation where you end up with a clog in your water supply. Iron minerals can be combined with bacteria to form an unusual substance that can cause clogs in your pipes and fixtures. This is particularly true if you do not address the problem quickly.
Keep in mind that bacteria in your water supply can also be very dangerous, so you may need to invest in an advanced filtration system that can get rid of the bacteria from your water supply before they cause someone health issues.
You Need To Test Your Water for Iron and Iron Bacteria
Even though these are a few of the most common signs that could indicate that you have iron in your water supply, you need to test your water supply for iron and iron bacteria if you want to be sure. There are plenty of test kits available online, but you should read a few reviews and take a look at some ratings to figure out which one is best for your needs.
Remember that iron can lead to an unusual aftertaste in your water supply, but it can also impact the foods you make with that water. Dissolved iron can also cause unusual stains to develop on your plumbing fixtures, so if you want to protect them from harm, make sure you test your water supply for iron.
Invest in Certified Laboratory Testing
The best way to test your water supply for iron is to invest in certified laboratory testing. Your local lab may send you a vial you can use to collect water from your water supply. Then, they will test your water supply for you and let you know if the level is too high. If you find that the iron in your water supply is higher than 0.3 mg/L, the limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you may need to invest in an filtration system that can get rid of the iron for you.
Lab testing is also more extensive, so it will probably provide you with a thorough list of other possible contaminants that might need to be addressed. When you figure out what is in your water supply, you can take action to address and remove it.
How Do You Remove Iron From Your Water Supply?
If you are wondering how to remove iron from your water supply, there are a few filter options available. Depending on the level, one of the first options you may want to consider is a water softener. A water softener can help you clean your water supply by removing excess calcium and magnesium; however, if the iron in your water supply is relatively low, you may be able to remove iron as well. Iron, calcium, and magnesium will be replaced with sodium, softening your water supply in the process.
Consider Using Aeration Filters
What happens if the iron in your water supply is too high for a water softener to handle? Another option is something called an aeration filter. This while house filter removes iron by infusing water with air or oxidants. This process causes iron to oxidize, forming solid particles that can be filtered out from the water.
Aeration filters are popular because they can remove both insoluble and soluble iron. Soluble iron is oxidized to insoluble iron, which is then filtered out, resulting in a substantial reduction of iron in your water. This could be a great way for you to treat all of the water that comes into your house.
If you are looking for the best products to help you purify your home’s water supply, look no further than DROP.
Count on DROP To Help You Keep Your Home’s Water Supply Clean
If you are looking for a way to remove iron from your water supply, we have water softeners and water filters available. At DROP, we take great pride in the products we provide, and our experts will be happy to help you find the perfect products to meet your needs. We understand that every home is different, and we are happy to help you purify the water in your home.
Take a closer look at our selection today, and reach out to us with any questions or concerns you might have! It would be our pleasure to help you.
