Iron accounts for 5% of the earth’s crust, which is why iron is found in most water supplies whether surface or ground and particularly in well water. There are different types of iron and analysis of the type of iron in your water is critical when considering the type of treatment needed. Labs tests cannot accurately identify the iron types in your water and on-site analysis is necessary. Iron is measured in parts per million (ppm) and staining begins as low as 0.3ppm.

• Brown, yellow or red staining on fixtures, clothes dishes
• Brown, yellow or red tint in water when drawn from tap, or heated
• Discolored laundry, staining of whites
• Metallic taste

• Ferrous (clear water iron) – is dissolved in water and generally clear when water is drawn.
• Ferric (red iron) – is ferrous iron that has been oxidized to a particle form. Ferric iron is suspended in water and will settle out over time. Generally has some orange or red color to the water when drawn
• Colloidal Iron – Ferric iron that is too small to be filtered using standard methods. Colloidal iron stays in suspension and gives water a turbid cast.
• Bacterial Iron – a bacteria that feeds on clear water iron. Can be gelatinous or stringy and will cause staining and clogging.

Ferrous Iron is removed with the ECR 3500 Series Water Conditioner or Water Refiner. Ferric Iron is removed with the ETF 2100 Filter using Calcite or Birm media. Combinations of Ferrous and Ferric can be removed with the ETF AIIF Air Injection Iron Filter. Colloidal Iron and bacterial Iron require specific system design based upon the on-site analysis.

We provide on-site testing for accurate identification of the type of iron in your water and customized treatment options.