Iron

GENERAL INFORMATION
Iron is common in the earth's crust. Iron is often found in water because of the large amount of iron present in the soil, sediment, and bedrock. It is also found in water because corrosive water will pick up iron from pipes. Iron is considered a secondary or aesthetic contaminant.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Iron is not hazardous in drinking water. Iron bacteria, that may be associated with iron in water, are not a health problem. Iron is an essential mineral for human health in small concentrations (iron deficiency can lead to anemia).

AESTHETIC EFFECTS
Iron in your water can stain your laundry and fixtures and give your water a bitter, metallic taste. Iron may present some concern if certain bacteria have entered a well, since some pathogenic (harmful) organisms require iron to grow, and the presence of iron particles makes elimination of the bacteria more difficult.

Standard value 1: 
300.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
Inorganic trace constituent
Standard type 1: 
SMCL
Action is recommended 1: 

SMCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Iron levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Iron levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the secondary maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
130-2000
Major sources in drinking water: 
Erosion of earth materials
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Clear-water iron is most commonly removed with a water softener.
  • Red-water iron can be removed in small quantities by a sediment filter, carbon filter, or water softener, but the treatment system will very quickly plug up. A more common treatment for red-water iron and clear-water iron in concentrations up to 10 or 15 mg/L is a manganese greensand filter, often referred to as an "iron filter".  Aeration (injecting air) or chemical oxidation (usually adding chlorine in the form of calcium or sodium hypochlorite) followed by filtration are options if iron levels exceed 10 mg/L.
  • Treatment options for elimination or reduction of iron bacteria include physical cleaning of the well followed by chemical disinfection, heat, and chemical treatment. The most common treatment is chlorination of the well and water system, however, this treatment option is often only temporary because the "slime" generated by iron bacteria provide protection to the bacteria and regrowth occurs in the borehole.
Website resources: 

WATER RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS