Symptoms of
Iron in Water
Iron in water can cause a variety of problems, including:
• Staining of clothing, fixtures, and appliances
• Bad taste and odor
• Reduced water flow and pressure
Iron is present water in two forms: dissolved iron and iron oxide (rust). Dissolved iron is generally clear and tasteless, while iron oxide is typically reddish-brown and tastes metallic. Water with high levels of iron oxide can have a metallic taste and leave reddish-brown stains on clothes and fixtures.
Iron levels in water are typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Water with iron levels of 0-0.3 ppm is considered "low," while water with iron levels of 0.3-1 ppm is considered "moderate." Water with iron levels over one ppm is considered "high."
Iron in water is generally not a health concern, but it can cause inconvenience and require additional cleaning products to remove stains. High iron levels in water can be particularly frustrating, as the stains and odor can be challenging to remove, and the water may not be suitable for drinking or cooking.