In this section, learn how to test your well water and how to do a quick physical inspection.

Do A Quick Inspection and Test Your Well Water

How can iron, manganese, and odor be removed from well water? The first step is to determine the source and the basic water chemistry.

Usually, the source of the iron is from the well water itself, as iron naturally occurs in many ground waters. In some cases, however, the staining may be caused by old iron plumbing that has corroded, making the water rusty.

The best way to find out is to do a water test of the water coming from the well before it enters the house. If this is not possible, run the water for 5 to 10 minutes so you know it is coming from the well.

A water test is important to determine which type of iron filter to use and whether your water is acidic or not. It will also tell you the iron concentration and iron levels, which help you choose the approach or system you should use to treat it.

Tests should include alkalinity, hardness, hydrogen sulfide, iron, manganese, pH, and total dissolved solids. Knowing the iron content in well water is crucial as it impacts water quality and safety. If the water is tea-colored or yellowish-clear, a tannin test is recommended.

It should always include a pH test indicating if the water is acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH for iron filters to work properly is between 7.0 and 8.0, which is considered neutral and not acidic.

For health-related concerns, include a test for total coliform, E. coli (fecal coliform), and nitrate. If infants and children are drinking water, a complete mineral, metal, and bacteriological test from a state-certified laboratory is recommended.

If the source of water is a public water system and you experience iron-related problems, it is important to contact a utility official to determine whether the red water is from the public system or from the home’s plumbing or piping.

Understanding Iron in Well Water

Iron in well water can come from various sources, including soil and rocks that contain high levels of iron minerals. Iron can also result from the corrosion of iron or steel well casing or water pipe. Understanding the source of iron in your well water is crucial in determining the best course of treatment.

Iron in well water can be present in different forms, including ferrous, ferric, and organic iron. Ferrous iron is dissolved in water and is often referred to as “clear” iron. Ferric iron, on the other hand, is oxidized and can cause staining and discoloration. Organic iron is a type of iron that is metabolized by iron bacteria and can be difficult to remove from well water.

Identifying the type of iron present in your water is essential for choosing the right treatment method. For instance, ferrous iron can be removed using a water softener, while ferric iron may require an iron filter. Organic iron, often associated with iron bacteria, might need a more comprehensive approach, including disinfection and filtration.

Check For Odors in Well Water & Water Heater for Iron Bacteria

Run a hose bib or tap as close to the well as possible, fill a 5-gallon bucket or other container, and notice if there are odors. If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, this is hydrogen sulfide gas. This can be from manganese if the water smells like oil or asphalt. If the water smells like cucumber or sewage, this is usually a result of iron and/or sulfur bacteria. High concentrations of iron can also give the water a strong metallic taste.

Run the hot water from each tap and notice if there is an odor in the hot water that is not in the cold water. This indicates a problem with the water heater. Iron and sulfur bacteria can interact with the anode rod in water heaters, resulting in hydrogen sulfide gas only in hot water.

Perform a “Toilet Tank Inspection”

Unless your toilet tank is new or has recently been cleaned, your toilet flush tank can be a wealth of useful water quality information! Lift the cover and look in. If you see slimy, rusty deposits on the sides of the tank and frothy bubbles in the tank water, this is a good indication of iron bacteri

Odor and Metallic Taste Identification and Solutions

Does the cold well water have an odor right out of the well, from an outside hose bib?

If the water has an odor, do all the taps in the home have the odor? Do some taps in the house (such as upstairs or from a particular bathroom or fixture) have a greater odor than others?

Does the hot water have the odor only, and does the cold water have no odor?

The best way to test odor is to use a tall drinking water glass or wine glass and have at least two people perform the test by drawing the water and noting the odor.

How would you characterize the odor?

Pressure Tank with Submersible Well Pump

The submersible pump in well (1) is controlled by the pressure switch (7). When pressure in a pressure tank (4) drops below a preset level (typically 40 to 60 PSI), the pressure switch turns on the well pump.

The well pump continues to run until the pressure in the pressure tank builds up and the pressure switch reaches the maximum pressure setting. The pressure tank contains a pre-charged air bag that is used to moderate pressure in the piping system.

Check for Pipe Corrosion & Scale Build-up

Sulfur odors can cause sulfuric acid to build up in water and corrode piping and fixtures. Unless your home is new, checking for pipe corrosion scale build-up in the piping is important. Fortunately,  this is not difficult to do by using one of the following methods:

Check for signs of blue stains in fixtures and blue stains in toilet tanks, which can indicate copper corrosion, and/or test the water for copper.

Check the toilet tank for rust and rust-colored scale—this can indicate the presence of galvanized iron pipes. Inspect the exterior of any accessible pipes and valves for signs of corrosion, such as pinhole leaks or crusty buildup that may appear bluish, white, salty-looking, or rusty. During plumbing repairs, take the opportunity to examine any cut sections of pipe for internal scale buildup or other signs of corrosion.

Manganese Removal

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that can be present in well water. High levels of manganese can cause staining and discoloration, as well as affect the taste and odor of the water. Manganese can also combine with iron to form a compound that can cause staining and fouling.

Manganese removal can be achieved using various methods, including a water softener, an iron filter, or a sediment filter. Ozone or chlorine can also be used to oxidize the manganese and remove it from the water. In some cases, a combination of treatment methods may be necessary to effectively remove manganese from well water.

For example, a water softener can be effective for low levels of manganese, while higher concentrations might require an iron filter specifically designed to handle both iron and manganese. Sediment filters can help remove larger particles, and oxidizing agents like ozone or chlorine can convert dissolved manganese into a form that can be filtered out.

Identify Pipe Sizes

Knowing the size of your incoming pipes is useful. For instance, say you decide to install an iron filter system for your house. They come in different pipe sizes, such as ¾” pipe, 1″” pipe, etc. Generally, you want to make certain you get a system that will not restrict the water flow or pressure, so if you have a 1″ “pipe, you would want an iron filter that has 1″” pipe connectors. Knowing what size piping you have solves this problem.

When choosing a filtration system, it’s essential to consider the type and level of contaminants present in your well water and your budget and maintenance requirements. This includes evaluating iron removal needs, especially if you have high concentrations of dissolved iron.

Regular filtration system maintenance is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. Removing iron particles is particularly important for maintaining water purity. This includes replacing filters and cleaning the system regularly. Reverse osmosis is an effective method for removing impurities like iron.

For example, water softeners can be effective for low levels of manganese and iron, while higher concentrations might require an iron filter specifically designed to handle both iron and manganese.

By considering these factors and choosing the right filtration system for your well water, you can ensure that your water is safe and clean for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. Consulting with water treatment specialists can provide tailored solutions for effectively managing and removing iron from your well water.

It is easy to check the size of your pipes. First, check the pipe itself. Often, it will be labeled or written on the side. If not, the string method, which measures the circumference, is probably the best way to determine your pipe size. Circumference is the distance it takes to go around the pipe once.

Using a piece of string about 6″ long (or a cloth tape measure), wrap the string around the pipe once and measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. Once you have found the circumference, use the chart below to find your pipe or tube size.

Choosing and Maintaining a Filtration System

Choosing the right filtration system for your well water can be daunting. Many different types of filtration systems are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When choosing a filtration system, it’s essential to consider the type and level of contaminants present in your well water, your budget, and your maintenance requirements.

Regular filtration system maintenance is crucial to ensure its effectiveness and longevity. This includes replacing filters and cleaning the system regularly. Regularly monitoring the water quality is also essential to ensure the filtration system works effectively.

When choosing a filtration system, consider the following factors:

• Type and level of contaminants present in your well water
• Budget and maintenance requirements
• Effectiveness of the system in removing contaminants
• Certifications and compliance with industry standards
• Customer support and warranty

By considering these factors and choosing the right filtration system for your well water, you can ensure that your water is safe and clean for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. Regular maintenance and monitoring will help keep your system running smoothly and your water quality high.

Learning how to remove iron, manganese, and odor from well water with Iron Removal is not difficult if you follow a few simple steps!

The third and last parts of this three–part series discuss what types of systems work best and provides more details on removing iron, manganese, and odor from well water.

For more information on iron in well water, check out this helpful guide from the Minnesota Department of Health