The Truth About Iron In Well Water

There is nothing better than a tall, cold glass of water on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, if you have well water, that cold water may have a funky taste. Well water in many areas, including the Lake of the Ozarks have many different contaminants in them that could lead your water looking, tasting and smelling bad. One of the most common contaminants in well water is iron, and it can leave your water tasting like you have a bloody lip, and nobody wants that when they want to enjoy a glass of refreshing water.

How Iron Enters Water

There are two ways that iron enters well water:

Seepage
Rainwater or melted snow can travel from the ground's surface and through the soil to become part of the water supply. If the soil contains iron, it can dissolve into the wandering water and travel with it.

Corrosion
Exposure to a combination of water and oxygen causes iron to deteriorate. Unfortunately, if the casings and pipes of a well water supply are made of iron, it can corrode. Rust can flake off the well's components and into the water traveling from the well to your tap.

Is Iron Harmful?

Our bodies need iron to function properly, but iron, like many substances, is toxic at high dosage. However, we don't drink enough water to consume iron at toxic levels. The Environmental Protection Agency considers iron in well water as a secondary contaminant, which means it doesn't have a direct impact on health.

Damage Iron Can Cause

While iron may not affect your health, it can cause costly damages and other issues.

Stains
Iron in well water can take it tolls on laundry, dishes, sinks and tubs. It can stain these items red, yellow or brown and they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

Clogs
When iron travels with water, it can often time settle in certain spots. When iron settles, it can accumulate and end up clogging your dishwashers, washing machines, sprinklers, wells, water pumps and other similar appliances and accessories.

Food
Iron in well water can affect your food and beverages. Iron causes water to taste metallically, which can carry into coffee, tea and other beverages made with iron contaminated water. In addition to the bad taste, iron can add an unpleasant, inky blackness to beverages. Food, especially vegetables, cooked in water containing iron can turn dark and absorb the taste of the water.

Let Culligan Help

If your water contains iron, our Lake of the Ozarks water treatment company can help! We offer a wide range of products to help with your water issues. From water softeners to whole house water filters, no matter your problem, Culligan® Lake of the Ozarks can help! To speak with one of our water experts at the Lake of the Ozarks, call us at 573-719-1314.

Culligan Lake of the Ozarks

277 Lower Business Park Road • Linn Creek, MO 65052 • (573) 719-1314

www.CulliganPro.com

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