Water Systems Iron in the Water

Iron present in water is measured in parts per million (PPM) and is sometimes called "rust". The total PPM of iron and the different types of iron are determined by chemical analysis. The water needs to be tested in order to know what chemicals are present in the water.

Water may contain one or more of four types of iron:

  • Ferrous or clear water iron
  • Ferric or red water iron
  • Bacterial and organically bound iron
  • Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (ferrous or ferric iron).

Ferrous (clear water) iron: Soluble and dissolves in water. It is usually detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass.

  • Initially, the sample is clear but as it stands, it will cloud up and eventually turns yellow or brown as the air oxidizes the iron. This transformation usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.
  • A water softener such as GE SmartWater system softeners will remove moderate amounts of this ferrous (clear water) iron. Resin bed cleaners, such as Super Iron Out by Summit Brands, should be used periodically. Refer to the Owner's Manual for additional information. Download a copy of the Owner's Manual.

 

Ferric (red water) iron and Bacterial/organically bound iron: Both are insoluble. You can see this very easily as you draw water from a faucet because it has already oxidized before reaching the home.

  • It appears as a small yellow, orange or reddish cloud of suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle at the bottom of the container.
  • Generally, these iron particles are removed from the water by a special filtration system and we don't have filters that remove this type of iron.
  • Chlorination is also recommended for bacterial iron.
 
Colloidal iron and inorganically bound iron: It is in a ferric or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of water.
  • Colloidal iron water has usually a yellow appearance when the sample is drawn. After letting the sample stand for several hours, the color will persist and the iron does not settle but instead remains suspended in the water.
  • In some cases, treatment may improve colloidal iron water but always consult a qualified water chemistry lab before attempting to treat it.

To treat an iron problem other than moderate amounts of "clear water" iron, consult a local water dealer or distributor.