How To Test Your Well Water For Iron

If your water tests positive for iron and you get your water from a public water utility contact them right away to find out if the iron contamination is from their system or your home s plumbing.

How to test your well water for iron.

If iron is present you will notice tiny red particles floating to the bottom. Also if you run a faucet and the water coming out is any shade of red or brown then it can be a clear sign of iron being present. Basic water potability include tests for coliform bacteria nitrates ph sodium chloride fluoride sulphate iron manganese total dissolved solids and hardness. Let it sit a few minutes.

There may not be any consequences to your health from the iron present in your well water but your appliances dishes laundry and food will definitely pay the price. A water test is important to know which type of iron filter to use and if your water is acidic or not. Your local health department can assist in selecting tests important for assessing your drinking water. If this is not possible then run the water for 5 to 10 minutes so you know the water is coming right from the well.

Besides hardness high iron levels in water is the most common problem well owners deal with. The best way to find out is to do a water test of the water right from the well before it enters the house. An iron concentration of as little as 0 3 milligrams per l mg l may be sufficient to produce reddish brown sediment. Iron is not generally harmful at this level so an unhealthy level of iron in the water is easily detectable.

If you haven t already done so get a water test to determine the type and amount of iron in parts per million ppm as well as the water s ph and dissolved oxygen content. Pour water in a clear container and allow it to stand. So if you notice any dark colored reddish brown or yellow slime in your sinks bathtub or toilet tank there might be iron bacteria present in your water. This slime can also clog pipes and plumbing fixtures and make your drains smelly.

Some filters like water softeners are ideal. Soluble iron can be detected by filling a clear glass with water from your well. You can often tell if you have iron in your water just by observation. The pelican 16 point rapid water test will test your water for iron along with 11 other common contaminants like tannins manganese and turbidity.

With the right water filter however you can remove iron from your well water quickly and easily. Iron bacteria which show up as reddish slime in toilet tanks. The iron in your well water fosters the growth of this and other types of bacteria.