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How to Remove Iron from Well Water

everlastingwells

Iron is well acknowledged as a necessary mineral for the human body. Still, it can be a significant issue in water systems for homeowners. Iron at high concentrations causes discolouration of clothes and plumbing fixtures and contamination of the water. Well water is usually drawn from an aquifer and, as such, tends to contain more iron than other sources of water, like surface or tap water. In this article, we are going to explore all possible ways you can use to filter iron out from well water.


Identifying the Problem


When it comes to water issues, the first thing to do is to diagnose the problem correctly. As for iron in well water, water professionals will require testing your water to determine how much of the material is present and its type – ferrous or ferric. Ferrous iron is soluble and can be removed more easily than ferric iron, which is a bit tough to treat.


Choosing the Right Treatment Method


If you can ascertain the level and kind of iron in your well water, then you can go on to choose the most fitting treatment.


Here are the most common methods for removing iron from well water:


Water Softeners


Water softeners essentially use a process to rid well water of iron through ion exchange. These devices function by filtering the water through a vessel with granules having positive charges, which exist within the granules of tiny plastic beads. But when iron is positively charged, it is attracted to the beads, and the two form an insoluble compound with each other and settle in the bottom of the tank. When the tank is full, it has to be regenerated, and to do this, it must be washed with a brine solution. These procedures, however, have the disadvantage of not being suitable for well water with high concentrations of iron or manganese.



Aeration


Aeration is a process done with the purpose of getting iron to dissolve in water and then copy and form insoluble materials. The water filtration process can then easily remove these compounds from the solution. Air injection pumps and water filters are typically used in aeration systems. They may work well in removing both ferrous and ferric iron.


Chemical Oxidation


The process of chemical oxidation involves combining water with a reagent chemical, such as chlorines, potassium permanganate, or ozone, to separate the soluble iron by precipitating. These compounds can then be separated through the filtration process. As this method is best used with a filtration system such as a sand filter or manganese greensand filter, only filter sand is used during this method.


Manganese Greensand Filter


Manganese greensand is a filtration medium through which potassium permanganate oxidizes and removes iron and other contaminants. It oxidizes the iron, and the manganese dioxide sticks to the greensand. Periodically, the filter will need to be regenerated using a sodium chloride solution rinse.


Reverse Osmosis


Reverse osmosis is practical and efficient in removing ferrous and ferric iron and other impurities in water. This is a method where water is passed through a submerged membrane in which impurities like iron are filtered out. It demands more maintenance than the majority of other water treatment methods. Its water quality is fit for drinking and culinary purposes.

 

Implementation of the Treatment System


Some of these require special equipment; after selecting a particular method of treatment, you will be required to have the appropriate equipment to ensure they are well maintained. It’s essential to adhere to the instructions provided by manufacturers regarding the installation and use of the item or items. To know whether the system works as it should, test your water constantly and service it as prescribed.



Additional Tips


To keep your well water iron-free, follow these tips:


Hire a Professional


If you are unclear on how to filter out iron from your well water or need to consult the correct treatment type, consider hiring the services of a professional water treatment firm. These specialists can check your water and advise you on how it should be treated and which devices should be used.


Regular Maintenance


A water treatment system must be well maintained to be effective for a long time. Service should be employed when needed, and you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maintenance of the system.


Choose the Right Equipment


When buying a water treatment system, you should buy a good quality product from a reputable manufacturer. Do not buy cheaper systems, just because they are affordable; they may may not work well or may need constant repair.

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