Is iron in drinking water safe?

Iron in drinking water is generally not a health risk but it can certainly be unpleasant! And it can be a bother.

Possible effects of excess iron in drinking water

  • Aesthetic Concerns:
    Water with excessive iron can appear rusty or have sediment; it may taste or smell metallic. Food cooked in iron-rich water may turn dark and look unappetizing.
  • Skin Problems:
    Iron-laden water can sometimes leave excess soap residues on the skin that cause dryness and itching. Iron in your water can potentially clog up pores and damage healthy skin cells. The can result in breakouts, acne, or even premature wrinkles. Too much iron can make your hair feel brittle and dry and even tint light-colored hair orange and turn dark-colored hair darker.
  • Plumbing Problems and Staining: Iron can leave hard to remove reddish brown stains on plumbing fixtures, tableware and laundry, clog wells, pumps, sprinklers, dishwashers, and other appliances. Iron build up on pipes can cause clogging, reduced water pressure or slow draining.

How does iron get in my water?

Iron is the most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. When groundwater water seeps through iron-bearing soil and rock, iron can be dissolved into the water.

If they contain iron, the pipes which carry water from your well to the point of use in your home is also a potential source of iron.

How can I tell if I have iron in my water?

Iron has been found in some well water samples in Southern Oregon.

Different types of iron present with different appearances. If you suspect excess iron in your drinking water, these simple test/observations are a place to start.

  • Dissolved ferrous iron: Tap water is first clear and colorless. After standing, reddish brown particles appear and settle to bottom of glass.
  • Insoluble red water ferric iron: Tap water appears rusty or has a red or yellow color. After standing, particles settle to bottom.
  • Iron bacteria: Water tank, toilet tank and plumbing have reddish brown or yellow gelatinous slime or sludge present. Odor may be objectionable.
  • Organic iron and tannins: usually yellow or brown color, but may be colorless. Tannins stain water a tea color.

If you spot any of these signs that iron is present in your water, a basic water test can tell you if iron is the culprit and how high the concentration is. Pure Water Solutions offers free water testing as well as the more thorough, low cost Top 50 Water Lab Test.

How can iron be removed from my drinking water?

Pure Water Solutions specializes low cost, easy-to-maintain residential and commercial water filtration systems that will remove the iron content and other contaminants in your water.

If you are concerned about iron in your water, please contact Pure Water Solutions for a FREE Water Analysis.

Call Pure Water Solutions

We’ll test your water for iron and other contaminants.

541-890-2751
No-Obligation Consultation

or contact us by email

We can make any water Perfect – Guaranteed.

About Pure Water Solutions

Concerned or worried about the water in your home or office? Contact Pure Water Solutions or call 541-890-2751. We offer a free onsite water test and no obligation consultation. As Southern Oregon’s most trusted and reliable company for water filtration and treatment solutions we are proud to provide service to the following Oregon communities: Medford, Grants Pass, Ashland, Klamath Falls, Rogue River, Gold Hill, Shady Cove, Trail, Central Point, Eagle Point, White City, Phoenix, Talent, Jacksonville, Applegate, Williams, Murphy, Selma, Cave Junction, and Brookings.

Pure Water Solutions

Serving Southern Oregon - Rogue Valley - Medford - Ashland - Grants Pass - Klamath Falls and all surrounding areas.