Iron Filtration
Iron filters take this clear iron and transform it to rust or ferric iron in the process known as oxidation. These trapped particles are periodically and automatically backwashed out to drain, usually once or twice a week. Most iron filters remove both clear water iron and ferric iron (rust).
How do iron filters work?
When your water is underground in your well, it is usually clear in color, even though it may contain high levels of iron. This is known as ‘ferrous’ or clear water iron. Iron filters take this clear iron and transform it to rust or ferric iron in the process known as oxidation. These trapped particles are periodically and automatically backwashed out to drain, usually once or twice a week. Most iron filters remove both clear water iron and ferric iron (rust).
The maximum level of iron recommended in water is 0.3 mg/L, which is the same as saying 0.3 Parts Per Million or PPM. When the level of iron in water exceeds the 0.3 mg/L limit, the water may appear a red, brown, or yellow color and stain laundry and fixtures. The water may also have a metallic taste and an offensive odor. Water system piping and fixtures can become restricted or clogged, and appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines can become plugged with rust and sediment.
Iron is a terrible water contaminant that causes staining in fixtures, dishes and laundry while also making water taste metallic. But you have no need to worry, Integrity Water Inc. can confidently help you with your iron water problem.
An Iron problem in your water is most efficiently addressed with a cartridge-based filtration system. This system utilizes a filter housing with an iron removing cartridge. Which cartridge you will need is dependant on the amount of iron in your water and the required flow rate.
When should you worry about iron?
Iron is the fourth most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, and it’s extremely common in Minnesota soil and rocks, so it’s not unusual to find iron in Minnesota groundwater. In fact, small concentrations of iron are usually fine, but if there’s too much iron in your water, it can cause all sorts of problems.
Iron can cause red, yellow or brown stains on your clothes, dishes or plumbing fixtures. It can clog wells, pumps, or sprinklers. It can make your water taste like metal, and it can even turn potatoes black.
Iron can present itself in well water in four different forms:
- Ferrous Iron – Water comes out of the faucet clear but turns red or brown after standing, often leaving stains behind. Ferrous iron is invisibly dissolved in the water, so it is often called “clear-water” iron.
- Ferric Iron – Water is red or yellow when first drawn. Ferric Iron is already oxidized (think of rust) and therefore insoluble. That’s why it’s also called “red-water” iron.
- Organic Iron – Iron can form compounds with naturally occurring acids in water. Organic iron is most often red or brown. You may see clumps of iron scum in the water and an oily sheen on the surface.
- Colloidal Iron – This is made up of extremely small particles (smaller than 1 micron). The water may be pink or red, like ferric iron, but the particles are so tiny, they remain suspended in the water.
How do you remove iron from water?
There are several treatment options that can be used to remove iron in wells and well water. These include:
- Well pasteurization
- Chemical treatments
- Surfactants (soap-like chemicals such as phosphates that enhance chemical treatments)
- Acids
- Disinfectants, particularly chlorine or a “shock” chlorination process
However, iron filters are generally considered the most effective of these options, especially when iron concentrations are high.