The Truth About Iron in Your Water (and How to Remove It)

If you’ve seen reddish stains in your sinks, tubs, or toilets—or noticed a metallic taste in your tap water—you might be dealing with elevated iron levels. Iron in your water isn’t uncommon in South Jersey, especially for homes with private wells.

Where Iron Comes From

Iron occurs naturally in groundwater and enters your home through your well or plumbing. There are several types:

• Dissolved (ferrous) iron: Invisible until oxidized

• Particulate (ferric) iron: Already oxidized, appears as orange flakes

• Iron bacteria: Organisms that thrive on iron and create slimy buildup

Why It’s a Problem

While not a health risk in low concentrations, iron causes issues such as:

• Stains on plumbing fixtures and laundry

• Metallic or unpleasant taste

• Clogs in filters and pipes

• Increased wear on water heaters and appliances

Solutions

Harriett’s Plumbing and Water Treatment offers several options depending on your water test results:

• Sediment filters

• Oxidizing filters

• Chlorination and filtration combinations

• Iron-specific softeners

If you’re tired of stains, bad smells, and reduced appliance lifespan, call us today. We offer free iron testing and will recommend the best treatment solution for your home.