Is there iron in water? It appears discolored or has a reddish-brown tinge to it along with a metallic taste..
Is iron in drinking water safe?
The answer is no. Although iron is an essential mineral, you need to get rid of it when it enters into the drinking water. This is because it has many adverse effects.
Contrary to popular belief that a water softener is not enough to fix high-iron in the water. Let us take a closer look at the harmful effects of iron in drinking water, its types, and how you can remove it.
HARMFUL EFFECT OF IRON IN DRINKING WATER!
- IRON IN WATER AFFECTS YOUR SKIN
The presence of minerals, such as magnesium and iron in excessive quantities in water can harm skin cells, leading to infection and wrinkles. Moreover, such water does not rinse off the soap residue from the body, causing clogged skin pores and buildup of oil in the skin, results in many skin problems such as eczema or acne.
- EFFECTS ON YOUR HEALTH
Although a low level of iron cannot harm your health, it contains bacteria. In addition to this, high iron in water content leads to an overload which can cause diabetes, hemochromatosis, stomach problems, and nausea. It can also damage the liver, pancreas, and heart.
- EFFECTS ON FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Iron in drinking water causes it to develop an unpleasant metallic taste. If you use this water to make any beverages such as tea or coffee, their taste also gets affected. Also, water with high iron content will blacken fruits, vegetables, and other foods cooked in it and spoil the flavor.
- CAUSES STAINS ON YOUR FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES
Iron tends to leave reddish orange stains and residue on bathroom fixtures, including bathtubs, showers, and faucets. If you wash utensils with such water, you may find dark red stains on cutlery and plates as well. In addition to this, it also causes the color of your clothes to fade and reduces their quality.
- CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO PIPES
Water with a high quantity of iron flowing through the pipes leads to buildup, causing the pipes to clog. This can, in turn, clog up the sinks and toilets and result in low water pressure in your home. Too much iron in water also causes the accumulation of reddish-brown slime in your pipes. Sudden discharge of this residue can lead to an unexpected rush of discolored water through the faucets.
ESSENTIAL TYPES OF IRON FOUND IN WATER!
- FERROUS IRON
Ferrous iron in water is a soluble iron that does not show itself until it is exposed to atmospheric conditions. After exposure, it becomes ferric and leaves stains. Although it is not visible immediately, it has staining properties and affects the taste of the water. Usually, deep wells with less exposure to sunlight have water with high ferrous iron content.
- FERRIC IRON
The effects of too much iron in water are not severe but can cost you money and time. However, one good thing about ferric iron is that it is insoluble. Ferric iron occurs naturally in your water when it oxidizes. If your well-water or drinking water appears reddish or orange, it is a strong indication of high ferric iron content. As it is an actual particle, it can clog your pipes, showerheads, and fixtures over time.
- BACTERIAL IRON
Bacterial iron is the trickiest form of iron in drinking water. Found in well water because of lack of maintenance, broken pipelines, or poor sanitation. Bacteria bond with iron in the water and leave behind slimy red residue that can wreak havoc on your home fixtures. Though bacterial iron is not harmful, they cause conditions where pathogens and other organic compounds can grow.
HOW TO REMOVE IRON FROM DRINKING WATER?
The recommended or healthy level of iron in water is less than 0.3 mg/L. It helps remove iron, bacteria, sulfur, and manganese from water, making it healthy enough to drink. However, there isn’t a one-size-fits-it-all solution available to remove iron contaminants. Let’s look at the below steps to ensure that you have safe and iron-free drinking water!
TEST YOUR WELL-WATER
Different types of iron content require various water treatments. Hence, before you browse the water filtration system, it is wise to know the composition of your well-water and understand the best way to treat it. There are many easy-to-use home test kits available, such as iron strips to check the level of iron in the water. You can also consult with a professional for a comprehensive test to learn about the bacteria, iron, and pH level.
CHECK-OUT THE DIFFERENT WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS AVAILABLE
As discussed above, you should decide on a water filtration system based on the organic compounds found in the water. Here is the best selection of water treatments available in the market to help you remove iron from the water.
- IRON FILTERS
If your home or commercial facility has too much iron in the water, it is best to opt for iron filters. These filters use highly quality Ozone and iron removal media to ensure efficient removal of particulate matter from the water. Since the filters combine filtration and oxidation, they capture the iron in water and remove them from your water supply.
- WATER SOFTENERS
Water softeners are ideal in helping remove ferrous iron from water. While water softeners primarily treat hard water minerals, they can also remove ferrous iron from hard water. However, if you have high iron content in the water, it is best to opt for specialized iron filters.
- SHOCK CHLORINATION
Although shock chlorination can be a labor-intensive process, it is beneficial to remove the slimy bacterial iron. The method uses an intense concentration of chlorine to disinfect your well-water. Shocking the well will eliminate the bacteria to bind with the iron in the water, allowing you to catch the iron with an iron filter, water softeners, or a sediment filter.
WORK WITH A REPUTABLE DEALER
When multiple water treatments are available to remove iron in drinking water, make sure to compare the features, prices, maintenance schedule and talk to a professional to make the best investment. A reputable water treatment dealer will work with you to understand your needs and recommend suitable water solutions that meet your budget and maintenance needs.
WE OFFER THE BEST IRON FILTERS IN KENYA!
At Fitt Hydro-Systems , we care about our clients and strive to provide them accurate water solutions. We understand that some parts of Kenya are rich in iron content, which can cause many water problems to the residents. We offer the best water treatment for iron removal in the form of iron water filters.
For more information about our iron water filters, talk to our representatives by calling +254731220353/ +254700620120. You could also fill out our online form if you have any concerns or questions.
