Iron in Tap Water: What You Need to Know

Iron is one of the Earth’s most abundant resources and is an essential mineral for your body. However, it can be a problematic chemical in water supplies. As rainwater infiltrates the soil, it dissolves iron, causing the mineral to seep into aquifers that serve as groundwater for wells.

Health

Iron is not hazardous to health, but it is considered a secondary contaminant. This means that it may cause aesthetic effects, such as a change in odor and color, in drinking water. It may also cause cosmetic effects, such as skin or tooth discoloration In the United States, most tap water contains approximately 5% of the dietary requirement for iron.

Taste and Food

Dissolved ferrous iron, a type of iron found in drinking water, gives water an unpleasant metallic taste. It also produces a cloudy, black appearance and a harsher taste when combined with coffee, tea and other beverages. You also need to be careful as you wash vegetables under tap water filled with iron as it can turn dark, looking stained and unappealing.

Treatment

Installing a water treatment device is a great way to solve various forms of iron in the water. For example, if you fill a glass with tap water and reddish-brown particles appear and settle to the bottom of the glass after standing, then you need to install a good water filtration or water softener system in your house.

This comes with a few considerations. First, hardness must be calculated. If the user is on a restricted sodium diet, then increased sodium concentration should also be checked. Make sure that the system you choose is airtight.

You can enhance the quality of your life by installing a premium drinking water system in your home. Turn to RainSoft of NE Iowa for the most reliable water treatment products and processes, such as reverse osmosis and nitrate reduction. Call us at (319) 233-2038, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.