How To Test Your Well Water For Iron

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.

How to test your well water for iron. Basic water potability include tests for coliform bacteria nitrates ph sodium chloride fluoride sulphate iron manganese total dissolved solids and hardness. This slime can also clog pipes and plumbing fixtures and make your drains smelly. Besides hardness high iron levels in water is the most common problem well owners deal with. A water test is important to know which type of iron filter to use and if your water is acidic or not.

The pelican 16 point rapid water test will test your water for iron along with 11 other common contaminants like tannins manganese and turbidity. 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. 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. If iron is present you will notice tiny red particles floating to the bottom.

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. An iron concentration of as little as 0 3 milligrams per l mg l may be sufficient to produce reddish brown sediment. Let it sit a few minutes. Your local health department can assist in selecting tests important for assessing your drinking water.

Iron bacteria which show up as reddish slime in toilet tanks. You can often tell if you have iron in your water just by observation. 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. The iron in your well water fosters the growth of this and other types of bacteria.

With the right water filter however you can remove iron from your well water quickly and easily. The three most common types of iron in well water are. One of the annoying repercussions of iron in well water are the stains it leaves behind on your laundry dishes sinks and bathtubs which are nearly impossible. Iron is not generally harmful at this level so an unhealthy level of iron in the water is easily detectable.

Pour water in a clear container and allow it to stand. Some filters like water softeners are ideal. Reddish rusty spots sludge within your toilet or reddish debris at the bottom of a glass of the well water is a clear sign of iron being present in the water.