How to Remove Iron From Well Water Once and for All

For well water owners, the presence of unwanted elements in the water supply is not an unfamiliar nuisance and can require much strategy and preparation to resolve.

Iron is a very prominent element in groundwater and can cause many problems to a well owner’s water system if left untreated.

It is imperative that a proper understanding of the iron problem is first established before attempting to treat it, as there can be lots of time and money wasted on setting up equipment that might not address the issue correctly.

This article aims to bring education and understanding on how to correctly identify the iron problem, how to properly treat the issue with the right filtration system, and to answer any questions one may have about how to remove iron from well water.

This article will discuss the following:

• How Iron Gets into the Water Supply
• Health and Plumbing Concerns About Iron
• Types of Iron Found in Well Water
• How to Find the Right Water Treatment for Iron Removal
• How to Test for Iron
• Reviews of the Best Iron Filters for Well Water

The removal of iron from well water first involves identifying the type of iron present in the water supply (ferric, ferrous, or iron bacteria), measuring its concentration in ppm, measuring the pH of the water, and then applying the appropriate method of iron removal, either through oxidation, ion exchange, greensand, or chemical feed.

The following will cover several different methods for removing iron and the conditions the water should be in in order for these methods to work.

For Iron Concentrations Less than 3 ppm

Water Softeners

Water softeners work through an ion-exchange process where elements such as iron, magnesium, and calcium are collected and exchanged with sodium. For well water with a low enough concentration of ferrous iron (less than three ppm) and a pH level no greater than 6.7, the ion exchange process is an effective way to remove iron from a water supply.

Jack of All Master of None / Youtube

Water softeners should not be used with a well water supply containing ferric iron as it is invalid for ion exchange and can quickly foul the resin beads, nor should a softener be used to remove ferrous iron in concentrations higher than three ppm as the resin beads may not be strong enough to pull such high concentrations of iron.

Alkalinity is also a factor to consider since the higher the pH; the likelier ferrous iron will oxidize into ferric iron and become invalid for ion exchange.

Our article on water softeners for well water systems explains how they work and how to choose the right one for your home.

For Iron Concentrations Greater than 3 ppm

Iron Filters

For concentrations of iron that a water softener would not be able to remove, an iron filter will be necessary. Iron filters work through a process called oxidation.

Because ferrous iron is soluble and easily passes through any filter, it must first be “oxidized” into ferric iron and then filtered. Once in the insoluble ferric state, the iron can be filtered through a variety of different media before clean water passes through the outlet.

The oxidation process can happen by a variety of methods, but the most common is with air, media, or chemicals.

Air Oxidation

Often called Air-Injection, Air-Induction, or Chemical-Free Iron Filters, this method of oxidation uses pressurized air to oxidize the iron into the insoluble ferric state that can be filtered.

US Water Systems : Youtube

Within an air injection iron filter tank are air, water, and a media bed. As iron-concentrated water passes through the tank, the ferrous iron is oxidized by the air and then filtered through the media bed, where it remains. Clean, iron-free water is passed through the tank and into the outlet.

The ferric iron within the media bed is then backwashed and flushed from the system through the drain pipe.

Air injection iron filters also oxidize and filter manganese and hydrogen sulfide in the same fashion.

Media and Chemical Oxidation

Greensand Filters - Manganese Greensand, characterized by its often greenish hue, is one of the oldest mediums used to oxidize and remove iron from a water supply. Iron is immediately oxidized and trapped as it passes through a greensand filter allowing clean water to filter through.

Greensand filters require Potassium Permanganate, a strong oxidizing agent that regenerates the greensand periodically after use.

Birm Filters - Birm, a granular media filter named by the company who invented it, works similarly to greensand in that it oxidizes the ferrous iron immediately as it comes into contact with it. Unlike greensand filters, Birm filters do not require additional chemicals to regenerate the media; rather, the media is automatically and periodically backwashed.

Chemical Feed Pumping

In extreme cases that involve iron bacteria, iron filters or water softeners alone might not be the most effective application in solving the iron problem. Certain chemicals may need to be pumped into the well supply in order to combat specific contaminants. In this case, a chemical feed pump is required.

Chemical feed pumping works by injecting certain chemicals into the well itself with the purpose of eliminating, oxidizing, or disinfecting specific contaminants within the water supply. A professional contractor should be consulted when considering chemical feed pumping, as the task itself involves a number of nuances that can potentially be overlooked.

While iron filters are very effective at removing iron at the surface level just before it enters the home, chemical feed pumping attacks the iron problem at the source. Chemical feed pumping is a much more permanent solution and can rid the iron problem before it reaches the house once and for all.

The most common chemicals used are:

• • Chlorine to treat Iron Bacteria and to oxidize Iron
  • Hydrogen Peroxide to treat Hydrogen Sulfide and to oxidize Iron
  • Citric Acid to lower the water’s pH level
  • Sodium Carbonate to raise a water’s pH level

Visible Test

Ferric iron is visible to the naked eye and in high concentrations can be observed flowing from the tap in an orange hue or stained against the sink and bathtub. In lower concentrations, ferric iron can settle at the bottle of a glass of tap water after sitting for several minutes.

Iron bacteria is characterized by an orange sludge that accumulates inside the toilet tank or in areas where water is collected.

While the visual test is easy and inexpensive, it would only indicate whether or not iron is present and not the level of concentration.

Self-Test Kit

Home water test kits typically come in the form of tablets or liquid that are dropped into the water or in the form of strips that are dipped into the water. Many test kits test for many other contaminants as well as iron which will be helpful in understanding the most effective method in treating the water. These tests often have their own color-coded guidelines in determining the presence of the various contaminants.

Laboratory Testing

The most accurate and efficient way to find out the exact concentration and variety of contaminants in the well water supply is to have it tested by a laboratory. Many water testing laboratories will send out test kits that may be sent back with sample specimens from the water supply. Others may have professional testers that arrive at one’s home to test the water in person.

While lab testing is much more expensive than home test kits, it is by far the most reliable and accurate.

Aqua Mechanical / Flickr

Other Contaminants to Test For

Manganese

Manganese and Iron are both common elements in groundwater and where one is present, the other is often as well. While Manganese levels aren’t usually as concentrated as Iron, it can stain laundry and appliances just as well but with a black tint instead of red. Manganese can be removed in the same fashion as iron which will be discussed in the later section of this article.

Hydrogen Sulfide

While Hydrogen Sulfide is invisible to the naked eye, it is quite noticeable by its rotten-egg odor which is highly unpleasant. Hydrogen Sulfide exists as a byproduct of sulfates which react with magnesium in the water. Hydrogen sulfide is removed in the same fashion as iron through a process known as oxidation.

The pH level of a water supply is an important factor in the iron removal process as it determines the ease at which ferrous iron converts to ferric iron. The higher the pH level of the water, the quicker the iron oxidizes into its ferric state.

For iron filters, a pH level of at least 7.0 is recommended by most manufacturers as it allows the oxidation to happen fast enough for the ferric iron to be filtered.

For water softeners, a lower pH level is recommended as the iron must remain in its ferrous state in order for ion exchange to occur.

Home Master’s 3-stage whole house filter is an ideal solution for well owners with a high iron problem. The radial flow iron reduction filter reduces up to 3ppm of iron with less than a 1 psi drop in water pressure. The filter also reduces manganese at parts less than 1 ppm.

With a combined 3-stage filtration system, this filter also reduces 95% of VOCs, TOCs, chlorine, sediment and other contaminants that create foul tastes and odors. The post-filtration system uses high-grade coconut shell carbon for maximum chemical contaminant removal and improved taste.

Home Master’s signature 1” ports allow for or the strongest water pressure possible at up to 15 gallons per minute.

IS IT FOR ME?

For those who need a filter that provides clean, drinkable water for the entire house, but would also like to solve a small iron problem (< 3 ppm) without having to install an additional iron tank, the Home Master 3-stage filter provides just that. It is large but uniform, occupies a single space, and functions as a single unit.

SpringWell is a Florida-based water filter manufacturer with over 20 years of experience in water quality. They have an excellent customer service program and a 6-month money-back guarantee on all their products.

Their salt-free water softener removes up to 8 PPM of Hydrogen Sulfide, up to 7 PPM Iron and 1 PPM Manganese. The FutureSoft system eliminates the need of a salt brine by using a process known as Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC), which converts the hardness-causing minerals in the water to a hardness crystal that will not stick to any surface in your home.

The SpringWell AIO System comes with a completely automatic electronic control valve and system settings which can be programmed from an app via blue tooth.

The Springwell system prides itself in effectively removing water hardness without dropping water pressure and maintains 12 GPM for a 1-3 bathroom unit. Also comes with a pre-filter which removes sediment.

IS IT FOR ME?

For those who have a ferric or ferrous iron level less than 7 ppm, a pH level greater than 7.0, and would prefer not to have a brine tank (perhaps because of lack of space), the Salt-Free Water Conditioner by Springwell provides an excellent means to remove iron for well owners. The salt-free conditioner also removes sediment, hardness, manganese and sulfur.

For those who prefer the traditional ion-exchange method of water softening, Springwell also has a salt-based water softener for well water owners. The SpringWell AIO System can remove up to 8 PPM of Hydrogen Sulfide, up to 7 PPM Iron and 1 PPM Manganese.

The blue tooth control head allows for programming of backwashing cycles and features a slow release of the compressed air charge prior to backwash cycles eliminating the loud explosive blast that is among typical outdated systems.

IS IT FOR ME?

For those who have a ferric or ferrous iron level less than 7 ppm, a pH level greater than 6.5, and prefer a traditional, reliable, iron filter and water softener combination, Springwell provides an excellent system backed by great customer service and warranty. Also removes hardness, manganese, sulfur, and all the minerals associated with well water.

For well owners with a high amount of Iron, Manganese, and Hydrogen Sulfide, the Crystal Quest whole house iron filter may be the best solution. The fiberglass tank holds 48,000 grain capacity of glauconite green sand.

Soluble iron and manganese are oxidized and precipitated by contact with higher oxides of manganese on the CQ-IGS granules. The hydrogen sulfide is reduced by oxidation to an insoluble sulfur precipitate. Precipitates are then filtered and removed by backwashing.

IS IT FOR ME?

Well owners with manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and problematic iron greater than 3 ppm may want to consider the Crystal Quest iron filter for whole house treatment.

Pelican provides a solution for removing high levels of ferrous or ferric iron with this greensand tank by trapping the iron with a filter media and gravel under bed then flushes it out with the backwash system.

Pelican’s user-friendly controller allows for customization of automatic backwashing cycles, ensuring the proper intervals for regeneration.

IS IT FOR ME?

For those with an iron and manganese problem that is less than 10 ppm, and want a single, low-maintenance tank for the entire house, this greensand iron filter may be right for you.

Pelican’s Iron and Manganese filter is a complete system for removing iron, iron bacteria, and manganese from the well water supply. It uses 4 stages.

The 1^st stage is a sediment filter which removes large particles such as sand and silt, protecting the inner parts of the subsequent filters. The 2^nd stage is a chlorination injection system which kills living microorganisms in the water, namely iron bacteria, the slimy, sulfurous-smelling substance found in toilet tanks and sinks.

The 3^rd stage is the greensand filter which is responsible for eliminating ferrous iron, ferric iron, and manganese. And finally, a carbon filtration system designed/developed to significantly reduce chlorine, chloramines, sediment and/or particulate matter, tastes, and odors that may be present in your water.

Altogether, this complete system significantly reduces the problematic elements found in well water and provides clean water for your entire household.

IS IT FOR ME?

If your home relies on well water that has a significant iron, manganese, and iron bacteria problem, this system may be a great solution given that it would solve all three problems without the need to add an additional chlorination injection system.

Tier1 is an American company headquartered in Minneapolis, MN and is a part of US Water Filters Corporation. Tier1 is a top manufacturer of water purification systems for home and commercial applications.

The Precision Series Tier1 Whole Home Iron, Manganese and Hydrogen Sulfide Air Induction Oxidization Filter System reduces contaminants like lead from your water using air induction oxidation instead of chemicals to create great tasting safe water.

This system uses compressed air to add oxygen to incoming water and a carbon media bed to both add a physical barrier as well as a filtering layer to trap iron.

The regeneration cycle begins after air has been expelled, carrying iron out of the system by flushing it out with water. Tier1’s fully automatic regeneration cycle ensures efficient water usage so that water isn’t wasted.

IS IT FOR ME?

For those who want a reliable iron, manganese, and sulfur filter from a reliable brand, the Tier1 Precision series will work great.

The Platinum 15 Air Injection unit by AFW Filters removes the highest level of Iron on this list at 27 ppm. While it isn't common to find Iron in well systems at concentrations that high, one can rest completely assured that their home will have no red stains or any rotten egg smell.

The Platinum 15 removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide at high concentrations using a patented air injection system to oxidize the contaminants, as well as a manganese-dioxide based media bed for further oxidation and filtering. The combination of air and media for oxidation allows for the collection of such high concentrations of contaminants.

The Platinum 15 can accommodate a large household of 4+ people with 3+ bathrooms. The automatic backwash cycle regularly drains the tank of contaminants for cleaning, allowing for more filtering to be done. The single tank unit involves a minimal amount of moving pieces to ensure stability and low maintenance.

The digital control unit by Fleck allows for cycle programming and viewing system status at a glance. A bypass valve with a 1" connection is available for easy shut-off.

AFWFilters has over 35 years of experience in water filtration and is both NSF and WQA certified. They have mastered the Iron-process with their Platinum 15 model, providing priceless peace of mind for homeowners worldwide.

For well systems with an extremely high concentration of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, and with pH levels greater than 7.0, the Platinum 15 may be the perfect solution.

Iron is one of the most prevalent elements in the earth’s crust and it is no wonder how common of an occurrence it is in well water systems. While the iron found in groundwater is largely considered innocuous for human consumption, the damage that iron can cause in home plumbing systems and fixtures can be severely problematic and costly.

There are several different methods for removing iron from a drinking water supply, and while all have their own benefits, it is important to understand the make-up of the water supply in order to correctly apply the right system. Testing the water will determine the levels of iron as well as any other contaminants that may need to be addressed.

Water softeners, iron filters, and chemical feeds are all effective methods for removing iron when used for the right application. Be sure to have proper knowledge of the iron in the water when making a decision about how to remove iron from well water sources.