Understanding Iron and Manganese Problems
Iron and manganese are common in Pacific Northwest well water. While not health hazards, they cause frustrating staining and taste problems.
Signs of Iron in Water:
- Reddish-brown stains on fixtures, sinks, tubs
- Orange/rust stains on laundry
- Metallic taste
- Rusty-colored water
- Reddish sediment in toilet tanks
- Slime buildup in toilet tanks
Signs of Manganese:
- Black or purple stains
- Black particles in water
- Bitter metallic taste
- Dark stains on laundry
- Greasy black film
Types of Iron:
Ferrous Iron (Clear Water Iron)
- Dissolved in water
- Water appears clear
- Turns orange when exposed to air
- Stains after water sits
- Easier to treat
Ferric Iron (Red Water Iron)
- Already oxidized
- Water has rust color
- Visible particles
- Immediate staining
- Requires filtration
Iron Bacteria
- Living organisms that feed on iron
- Creates slimy deposits
- Causes odors
- Clogs plumbing
- Most difficult to treat
Treatment Methods:
1. Water Softeners
Best for: Low levels of ferrous iron (under 3 ppm)
- Removes dissolved iron
- Also softens water
- Not effective for ferric iron
- Regular maintenance critical
- Iron can reduce softener life
2. Oxidizing Filters
Best for: Moderate iron/manganese (up to 10 ppm combined)
- Converts dissolved iron to particles
- Filters out oxidized minerals
- Automatic backwashing
- No chemicals needed
- Effective for both iron types
Common Media Types:
- Birm: Requires dissolved oxygen
- Greensand: Uses potassium permanganate
- Filox: Self-regenerating, no chemicals
- Pyrolox: Long-lasting media
3. Chemical Feed Systems
Best for: High iron/manganese levels (over 10 ppm)
- Injects oxidizing agent (chlorine, peroxide)
- Oxidizes iron and manganese
- Requires contact/holding tank
- Followed by filtration
- Most effective for severe problems
- Regular chemical refilling needed
4. Aeration Systems
Best for: Iron, manganese, and sulfur
- Adds oxygen to oxidize minerals
- Chemical-free oxidation
- Also removes some gases
- Requires storage tank
- Followed by filtration
5. Reverse Osmosis
Best for: Point-of-use (drinking water only)
- Removes dissolved iron/manganese
- Comprehensive water treatment
- Not practical for whole-house
- Requires pre-filtration
- Excellent for drinking water
Treating Iron Bacteria:
Shock Chlorination
- Disinfects well and plumbing
- Kills iron bacteria
- Temporary solution
- May need repeating
Continuous Chlorination
- Ongoing bacteria control
- Chemical feed system
- Most effective long-term
- Requires carbon filtration after
Choosing the Right System:
Factors to Consider
- Iron and manganese levels
- pH of water (affects treatment)
- Dissolved oxygen content
- Presence of iron bacteria
- Water usage/flow requirements
- Budget and maintenance preferences
Testing Requirements
Comprehensive water test should include:
- Iron (specify ferrous vs ferric)
- Manganese
- pH
- Hardness
- Dissolved oxygen
- Iron bacteria presence
- Sulfur (hydrogen sulfide)
System Maintenance:
Oxidizing Filters
- Check backwash frequency
- Monitor pressure drop
- Add regenerant chemicals (if required)
- Replace media every 3-7 years
Chemical Feed Systems
- Refill chemical tanks regularly
- Check pump operation
- Test injection rate
- Maintain contact tank
- Replace filters downstream
Prevention Tips:
- Don't let water sit in fixtures
- Clean aerators regularly
- Use rust removers for existing stains
- Maintain treatment equipment
- Test water annually
- Address problems early
Our Iron/Manganese Services:
- Comprehensive water testing
- System recommendation based on your water
- Professional installation
- American-made equipment
- Startup and training
- Ongoing maintenance service
- Shock chlorination for iron bacteria
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Treating without testing
- Undersizing the system
- Using wrong treatment for iron type
- Neglecting pH requirements
- Poor maintenance
- Ignoring iron bacteria
