{"id":5113,"date":"2017-03-15T03:00:28","date_gmt":"2017-03-15T10:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/?p=5113"},"modified":"2026-07-23T14:03:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T21:03:02","slug":"how-to-remove-iron-manganese-and-odor-from-well-water-step1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleanwaterstore.com\/blog\/how-to-remove-iron-manganese-and-odor-from-well-water-step1\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Remove Iron, Manganese, and Odor From Well Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first step to learning how to remove iron, manganese, and odor from well water is to understand a little about where iron comes from, the types of iron found in well water, and the various methods for removing iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iron<\/span><\/p>\n

Article last updated July, 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iron is one of the earth’s most plentiful resources, making up at least five percent of the earth’s crust.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iron is dissolved in well water, so water may appear clear when first drawn from the tap.<\/span><\/p>\n

The maximum level of iron recommended in water is 0.3 mg\/L. This 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 have a red, brown, or yellow color and stain laundry and fixtures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Manganese is another metal that leaves stains. Instead of rust stains like iron, it leaves a brown or tea-colored stain on fixtures, dishes, and laundry. It also has a bitter taste, which some describe as an asphalt or petroleum taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sources of Iron and Manganese in Well Water<\/h2>\n

Iron and manganese can enter well water from various sources. Iron can come from the Earth\u2019s crust, while manganese can come from the soil and rocks surrounding the well. Both iron and manganese can also be introduced into the well water through human activities, such as drilling and construction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iron bacteria, microorganisms that feed on iron, can also produce iron in well water. These bacteria thrive in the wells and pipes, causing iron levels to increase. Similarly, sulfur bacteria can contribute to high levels of sulfur in the well water, leading to additional complications<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Odor and Taste<\/h2>\n

The water may also have a metallic taste and an offensive odor. Water system piping and fixtures can become restricted or clogged. Rust and sediment can plug appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines. These issues can significantly affect the quality of your household water.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iron and manganese also give well water a disagreeable metallic taste. When the iron is combined with tea, coffee, and other beverages, it produces an inky, black appearance and a bad, rusty taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Iron Filter<\/h2>\n

What type of iron do I have in my water system?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is my well water chemistry? Do I have manganese, hydrogen sulfide odor, iron bacteria, or tannin in my water, or just iron? What is the pH (acidic or alkaline)?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the source of the iron and\/or odor? Is it only from the well water, or is it also from corroding iron pipes or water heaters?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the flow rate I have available in gallons per minute from my well pump or booster pump to adequately backwash the iron filter I choose?<\/span><\/p>\n

Four Main Types of Iron in Well Water<\/h2>\n
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  1. \n
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    1. Soluble \u201cClear Water\u201d Iron<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Insoluble Oxidized \u201cRed Water\u201d Iron<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. Organic Iron<\/span><\/li>\n
    4. Iron Bacteria<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Clear Water Iron<\/h2>\n

      Water may be clear when first drawn from a hose bib or faucet, but then turn rusty later. This is iron that is dissolved in the water, but will turn to rust once it is exposed to air.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Exposure to air can happen anywhere or anytime, such as in the toilet, washing machine, or bath. To determine the type of iron, fill a clean white 5-gallon bucket with water. If the water is clear without a tint or color, you have primarily ferrous iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The Solution to Clear Water Iron<\/h2>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"well<\/a>
      Pro-OX Iron Filter with Optional Ozone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Use an oxidizing ceramic disc iron filter, such as Pro-OX or other manganese dioxide iron filters, to turn the dissolved iron to rust, which the iron filter then filters out. This type of air injection iron filter is very effective at removing both ferric iron and ferrous iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

      An automatic backwash keeps the Pro-OX filter media clean, and the optional ozone generator prevents iron bacteria from fouling it. These iron filters often use built-in air or ozone injection to enhance the filter media’s oxidizing ability.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Red Water Iron (Rust)<\/h2>\n

      Also known as ferric iron (rust), this is iron that has already been exposed to some oxidation and is no longer dissolved in the water. Rarely does water contain only ferric (rust) iron. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Often, part or some of the water is oxidized, and the rest has clear water with iron. Many iron filters, such as the Pro-OX Air system, filter out both rust and dissolved iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The Solution to Red Rusty Water<\/h2>\n

      As mentioned above, an oxidizing iron filter should also be used, which removes both clear water iron and red water iron. For some water with very high levels of iron in rust form, a backwashing sediment filter in series with a Pro-OX or similar iron filter is recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The Pro-OX air injection iron filters<\/a> will remove both rust and dissolved iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Organic Iron<\/h2>\n

      Some waters contain high levels of tannins, which can enter the well water from the surface. Materials such as organic leaves, grasses, and other plant materials contain Tannins. These organic compounds can bind to iron.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solutions to Treat Organic Iron<\/h2>\n

      Use chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or ozone gas to feed ahead of the iron filter with sufficient contact time by using a retention tank. After filtering with a manganese dioxide iron filter, follow with an activated carbon filter.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The chlorine (or peroxide) will break down the organic bonds.<\/span><\/p>\n

      In some cases, if the iron is colloidal (microscopic particles that cannot be easily settled out or filtered), then we feed in alum or polymer coagulant to clump the particles into larger particles that can be filtered.<\/span><\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      \"Diagram<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Iron Bacteria<\/h2>\n

      This kind of bacteria (as well as iron and sulfur bacteria) is a general term for various species of bacteria that use iron to live and grow. Iron becomes part of their cell walls, and the end result is a slimy, stringy growth that can be seen in toilet flush tanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The iron bacteria create a biofilm in pipes and water heaters where they live and grow, producing various sulfur and pond odors.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The stringy growths can also line pipes and build up in water tanks, fixtures, and appliances.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Solutions to Treat Iron Bacteria<\/h2>\n

      Iron and sulfur bacteria live and grow in biofilms coating pipes and well linings. Clean up the well and pipes at least annually to reduce biofilm buildup with a simple chlorine shock of the well and pipes. Shock treat your household piping once a year with bleach to clear out biofilm in the pipes.<\/span><\/p>\n

      For treatment and filtration, we recommend a chlorine injection system to disinfect the water and kill the iron bacteria, followed by a Pro-OX iron filter. A carbon backwash filter can be used after the iron filter to remove any residual chlorine and provide a secondary barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Chlorine bleach is much more effective at eliminating iron bacteria than hydrogen peroxide; however, ozone is another effective option.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Chlorine actually kills the bacteria and disinfects the water, whereas peroxide injection won’t kill the bacteria, but it does introduce oxygen into the water, which makes it more difficult for these bacteria to live, which thrive in oxygen-starved waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Don’t want to use a continuous chlorine feed?<\/span><\/p>\n

      Use a Pro-OX Iron Filter with Ozone and then periodically shock treat your well and pipes with chlorine bleach to reduce bio-films.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"Diagram<\/p>\n

      Use Home Tests to Find Out What’s In Your Water<\/h2>\n

      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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      \"SimpleLab<\/a><\/p>\n

      A water test is important to know which type of iron filter to use and if your water is acidic or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

      A water test will tell you how much iron you have. This knowledge helps you choose the type of approach or system to treat it.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Tests should include alkalinity, hardness, hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese, pH, and total dissolved solids. If the water is tea-colored or yellowish-clear, a tannin test is recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

      You 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

      For health-related concerns, include a test for total coliform, E. coli (fecal coliform), lead, and nitrate. Complete mineral, metals, and bacteriological tests from a state-certified laboratory are recommended, especially if infants and children will be drinking the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

      When your water comes from a public system and you experience iron-related problems, it is important to contact your water company to determine whether the red water is from the public system or from the home\u2019s plumbing or piping.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Read more:<\/p>\n

      Will Reverse Osmosis Membranes Remove Odor from Well Water?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n