How to Remove Iron Manganese And Odor From Well Water, Part 2
This article is the second in a series on “How to Remove Iron, Manganese, and Odor From Well Water”. Review the first article here:
In this section, learn how to test your well water and how to do a quick physical inspection.
Do A Quick Inspection and Test Your Well Water
How can iron, manganese, and odor be removed from well water? The first step is to determine the source and the basic water chemistry.
Usually, the source of the iron is from the well water itself, as iron naturally occurs in many ground waters. In some cases, however, the staining may be caused by old iron plumbing that has corroded, making the water rusty.
The best way to find out is to do a water test of the water coming from the well before it enters the house. If this is not possible, run the water for 5 to 10 minutes so you know it is coming from the well.
A water test is important to determine which type of iron filter to use and whether your water is acidic or not. It will also tell you the iron concentration and iron levels, which help you choose the approach or system you should use to treat it.
Tests should include alkalinity, hardness, hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese, pH, and total dissolved solids. Knowing the iron content in well water is crucial as it impacts water quality and safety. If the water is tea-colored or yellowish-clear, a tannin test is recommended.
It should always include a pH test, which indicates if the water is acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH for iron filters to work properly is between 7.0 and 8.0, which is considered neutral and not acidic.
For health-related concerns, include a test for total coliform, E. coli (fecal coliform), and nitrate. If infants and children will be drinking the water, a complete mineral, metal, and bacteriological test from a State-certified laboratory is recommended.
If the source of water is a public water system and you experience iron-related problems, it is important to contact a utility official to determine whether the red water is from the public system or from the home’s plumbing or piping.
Understanding Iron in Well Water
Iron in well water can come from various sources, including soil and rocks that contain high levels of iron minerals. Iron can also result from the corrosion of iron or steel well casing or water pipes. Understanding the source of iron in your well water is crucial in determining the best course of treatment.
Iron in well water can be present in different forms, including ferrous, ferric, and organic iron. Ferrous iron is dissolved in water and is often referred to as “clear” iron. Ferric iron, on the other hand, is oxidized and can cause staining and discoloration. Organic iron is a type of iron that is metabolized by iron bacteria and can be difficult to remove from well water.
Identifying the type of iron present in your water is essential for choosing the right treatment method. For instance, ferrous iron can be removed using a water softener, while ferric iron may require an iron filter. Organic iron, often associated with iron bacteria, might need a more comprehensive approach, including disinfection and filtration.
Check For Odors in Well Water & Water Heater for Iron Bacteria
Run a hose bib or tap as close to the well as possible, fill a 5-gallon bucket or other container, and notice if there are odors. A “rotten egg” smell typically indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. An oil or asphalt-like odor often points to manganese in the water. A cucumber or sewage-like smell usually signals iron or sulfur bacteria. Additionally, high iron levels may give the water a noticeably metallic taste.
Run the hot water from each tap and notice if there is an odor in the hot water that is not in the cold water. This indicates a problem with the water heater. Iron and sulfur bacteria can interact with the anode rod in water heaters, resulting in hydrogen sulfide gas only in hot water.
Perform a “Toilet Tank Inspection”
Unless your toilet tank is new or has recently been cleaned, your toilet flush tank can be a wealth of useful water quality information! Simply lift the cover and look in. If you see slimy, rusty deposits on the sides of the tank and frothy bubbles in the tank water, this is a good indication of iron bacteria.
Odor and Metallic Taste Identification and Solutions
Does the cold well water have an odor right out of the well, from an outside hose bib?
If the water has an odor, do all the taps in the home have the odor? Do some taps in the house (such as upstairs or from a particular bathroom or fixture) have a greater odor than others?
Does the hot water have the odor only, with the cold water having no odor?
The best way to test odor is to use a tall drinking water glass or wine glass and have at least two people perform the test by drawing the water and noting the odor.
How would you characterize the odor?
Pressure Tank with Submersible Well Pump
The submersible pump in well (1) is controlled by the pressure switch (7). When pressure in a pressure tank (4) drops below a preset level (typically 40 to 60 PSI) the pressure switch turns on well pump.
The well pump continues to run until the pressure in the pressure tank builds up and the pressure switch reaches the maximum pressure setting. The pressure tank contains a pre-charged air bag to moderate pressure in the piping system.
Check for Pipe Corrosion & Scale Build-up
Sulfur odors can cause sulfuric acid to build up in water and corrode piping and fixtures. Unless your home is new, it is important to check for pipe corrosion scale build-up in the piping. Fortunately, this is not difficult to do by using one of the following methods:
Check for signs of blue stains in fixtures and blue stains in toilet tanks, which can indicate copper corrosion, and/or test the water for copper.
Check galvanized iron pipes for rust or rust-colored scale inside the toilet tank. When possible, examine the exterior of pipes and valves for signs of pinhole leaks or corrosion by-products, which may appear crusty, bluish, white, salty, or rusty. During any plumbing work, take the opportunity to inspect cut pipe sections for scale buildup or visible corrosion.
Manganese Removal
Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that can be present in well water. High levels of manganese can cause staining and discoloration, as well as affect the taste and odor of the water. Manganese can also combine with iron to form a compound that can cause staining and fouling.
Manganese removal can be achieved using a variety of methods, including the use of a water softener, an iron filter, or a sediment filter. Ozone or chlorine can also be used to oxidize the manganese and remove it from the water. In some cases, a combination of treatment methods may be necessary to effectively remove manganese from well water.
For example, a water softener can be effective for low levels of manganese, while higher concentrations might require an iron filter specifically designed to handle both iron and manganese. Sediment filters can help remove larger particles, and oxidizing agents like ozone or chlorine can convert dissolved manganese into a form that can be filtered out.
Identify Pipe Sizes
Knowing your pipe size helps you choose the right filtration system. For example, if your home has 1″ pipes, select an iron filter with 1″ connectors to avoid restricting flow or water pressure.
To determine your pipe size, check for markings on the pipe. If none are visible, use a string or cloth tape measure to wrap around the pipe and measure its circumference. Then, match that measurement to a pipe size chart.
Also, consider your specific water quality. High iron or manganese levels may require more advanced filters. Regular maintenance, like filter changes and cleaning, ensures long-term performance. When in doubt, consult a water treatment specialist for the best solution.
Choosing and Maintaining a Filtration System
Choosing the right filtration system for your well water can be a daunting task. There are many different types of filtration systems available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a filtration system, it’s essential to consider the type and level of contaminants present in your well water, as well as your budget and maintenance requirements.
Regular maintenance of your filtration system is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. This includes replacing filters and cleaning the system regularly. It’s also essential to monitor the water quality regularly to ensure that the filtration system is working effectively.
When choosing a filtration system, consider the following factors:
- Type and level of contaminants present in your well water
- Budget and maintenance requirements
- Effectiveness of the system in removing contaminants
- Certifications and compliance with industry standards
- Customer support and warranty
By considering these factors and choosing the right filtration system for your well water, you can ensure that your water is safe and clean for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. Regular maintenance and monitoring will help keep your system running smoothly and your water quality high.
Learning how to remove iron, manganese, and odor from well water with Iron Removal is not difficult if you follow a few simple steps!
The third and last parts of this three–part series discuss what types of systems work best and provide more details on how to remove iron, manganese, and odor from well water.
Resources:
For more information on iron in well water, check out this helpful guide from the Minnesota Department of Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does my tap water leave reddish-brown stains?
These stains are usually caused by oxidized metals in the water supply, often from aging pipes or natural groundwater sources.
2. What causes metallic-tasting drinking water?
A strong metallic taste can result from elevated levels of dissolved metals, including iron or manganese.
3. Is discolored water from the faucet safe to drink?
While not typically harmful in small amounts, discolored water can indicate the presence of unwanted minerals and may affect taste, odor, and plumbing.
4. Can high mineral levels damage household plumbing?
Yes. Excessive mineral buildup can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and shorten the lifespan of appliances.
5. Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?
This odor is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas or bacteria reacting with metal content.
6. Can this issue affect my hair or skin?
Mineral-heavy water can cause dryness, irritation, and buildup on hair and skin.
7. What’s the best way to remove rust-colored particles from water?
Air injection oxidizers or specialized filter systems like Pro-OX are effective at removing these impurities.
8. How do I know if I have too much metal in my water?
Look for staining, unpleasant taste, or consider testing your water through a certified lab.
9. Can these minerals stain clothing in the wash?
Yes. Laundry may show orange or brown marks due to high concentrations of oxidized metals.
10. Will a basic carbon filter fix the problem?
Standard carbon filters may not be strong enough. You’ll need a filtration system specifically designed for metal removal.
