The water streaming from your faucets and showerheads looks clear, yet your fixtures are turning brown. This phenomenon is due to the water’s mineral content, specifically iron. Here, the well repair and drilling team at Coolwater Drilling in Bremerton, WA, explains well water iron contamination and what you can do to alleviate the issue.

Soluble or “Clear Water” Iron

Iron contamination in well water often creates orange, brown, or rust-colored stains on fixtures and sinks. Depending on the type of iron contamination, you may notice your water has a metallic flavor and odor. It can also stain clothing and turn dark beverages such as coffee and tea a black color. Your local well repair team notes it does not take much iron to create stains, as 0.3 ppm (parts per million) is enough to turn your fixtures and clothing a rusty brown.

Oxidized and bacterial iron contamination cause water discoloration; however, soluble, or “clear water” iron does not immediately create brown water. The water looks clear as it flows from your taps because the iron has dissolved, and reddish-brown particles or sediment appear in the liquid only after it is exposed to air. This is what turns your fixtures and sinks brown.

Water Testing & Treatment

Getting your well water tested for iron is the best way to determine the degree of contamination and what to do about it. You will need either a water conditioning or water softening system depending on the degree of the contamination. A water softening system, for example, contains an iron filter to extract the mineral from your water so your plumbing fixtures and sinks stay clean.

Don’t let iron contamination keep staining your fixtures; work with the experienced well repair experts at Coolwater Drilling to implement the right treatment system. The well drilling company has served Bremerton, Shelton, and the rest of Mason County for nearly 40 years and is fully licensed, insured, and bonded. Every service includes a warranty and satisfaction guarantee. Call (360) 830-9005 to schedule service or visit the website for additional information. Like the company on Facebook for helpful water quality tips.