Unless you've made yourself coffee or tea, your water probably shouldn't be brown. Brown water is a sign of tannins, iron, or other contaminants in your water. Give us a call today. We can perform a free water test and determine which Hague whole home filter will be best to get you clear, clean water
There are two main types of iron that can be found in drinking water:
- Ferrous Iron (Fe2+): Also known as soluble or clear water iron, it is a dissolved form of iron that is not visible to the naked eye. This type of iron is often present in groundwater, and its concentration can vary depending on factors such as the pH level of the water, the presence of organic matter, and the water source.
- Ferric Iron (Fe3+): Also known as insoluble or red water iron, it is a form of iron that has oxidized and turned into a solid particle that can be seen in water as reddish-brown sediment. This type of iron is often present in surface water sources and can be caused by the presence of iron-containing minerals in the soil or sediment.
The presence of iron in drinking water can have several implications, including:
- A metallic taste: High concentrations of iron can give water a metallic taste, which can make it unpleasant to drink.
- Staining of fixtures and clothing: Iron can cause staining on fixtures, sinks, and clothing, which can be difficult to remove.
- Plumbing damage: Iron can build up in pipes and plumbing fixtures, causing clogs and damage to the plumbing system over time.
It is important to regularly test drinking water for the presence of iron and other contaminants and to take appropriate measures to remove them if necessary. This may include the use of water filtration systems or treatment methods such as chlorination or aeration.
References:
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Iron and Manganese in Drinking Water: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-09/documents/iron-and-manganese.pdf
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Iron in Drinking Water: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/iron.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease/iron.html
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA) - Iron and Manganese in Water: https://www.ngwa.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/water-quality/iron-and-manganese-in-water.pdf