Here's How to Solve the Problem of Iron Water and Iron BacteriaRomeo, MI Well Drilling Professional Discusses How to Solve the Problem of Iron Water and Iron Bacteria

The use of water softeners is quite common among homeowners who do not want to see stained sinks and pots as well as iron bacteria in their toilet tank. Unfortunately, high iron water is a menace and a problem that water softeners alone cannot solve.

In this article, we attempt to explain to our readers why water softeners are ineffective against iron bacteria and what can homeowners do to get rid of this problem.

Why Can’t Water Softeners Safeguard Against High Iron Water?

Believe it or not, but even a minuscule amount of bacteria is enough to cause lasting stains on your sinks and pots – professionals believe that a concentration of 0.3 parts per million is enough to leave marks on surfaces. Water softeners can only partially solve the problems created by iron water as water softeners are not designed to treat iron water. Thus, when the concentration of iron is below one part per million, a water softener will do its job and get rid of the iron bacteria. Unfortunately, in areas where iron content tends to be on the higher side, due to the percolation of iron into aquifers and water tables, water softeners fail miserably at solving the problem. In such areas, water softeners are only able to get rid of water hardness by extracting the minerals they are designed to extract.

Here’s What You Can Do to Solve the Problem Permanently

If you live in an area that receives high iron water and you want to permanently get rid of the problem, your only option is continually upgrading your water treatment system.

High iron water can contain two different types of iron: ferric iron and water-soluble iron. Ferric iron or red iron cannot dissolve in water and therefore, is easily visible to the naked eye. On the other hand, the other type of iron which is soluble in water escapes the eye. It is far easier to get rid of the first kind than it is to get rid of the second kind.

Soluble iron must be oxidized before it can be removed and thus, getting rid of soluble iron requires one to install an iron filter. Inside an iron filter, the iron present in water is oxidized and turned into a particulate matter, which gets trapped inside the filter.

How Does One Get Rid of Iron Bacteria?

Iron bacteria usually gather either at the top of the water tank or on its rear end and are quite easily visible to the naked eye. Other than diminishing the cleanliness quotient of your toilet, these bacteria also pose several health issues. They are also quite capable of damaging your water softener as well as the water pump. The good news is it is quite easy to get rid of iron bacteria. Install either a chlorine generator or an ozone generator into your toilet tank and the chlorine will take care of the bacteria.

Final Word

The biggest problem with the stains caused by iron water is that it is nearly impossible to get rid of these stains. A water softener may be able to help you to some extent, but only a professional water treatment system will be able to permanently get rid of the problem. Contact the team at Romeo, MI, for more information on this topic.

Give Ries Well Drilling Inc a call to answer any questions you may have about well water testing.  We can be reached at (586) 784-9516!

We provide Water Well Drilling Services in the following Michigan Counties: