Health Concerns for Iron in Well Water

Iron enters drinking water as a result of natural earth processes and/or corroded pipes. Since we are surrounded by it, iron is impossible to avoid. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, "Iron is the fourth most abundant mineral in the earth's crust." Indications of iron in water include stained plumbing fixtures and clothing and an unpleasant taste or odor. While present in most drinking water, iron levels rarely exceed concentrations greater than 10 parts per million.

Aesthetic Issues vs. Health Issues

• Iron is more hazardous to your clothing than to your health.

  Ingesting iron in drinking water is not directly associated with adverse health effects. The level of iron in most American drinking water is not considered a health problem.

  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers iron in drinking water an aesthetic issue rather than a health issue. EPA standards fall under two categories: primary and secondary. Primary standards protect people from pathogens, radioactive elements and toxic chemicals.

  Secondary standards address aesthetic issues such as taste, odor, color, corrosion and staining. Iron in drinking water falls into this category. Damaged clothes, bad tasting food, and corroded pipes and fixtures are the main problems associated with iron in water.

Essential to Health

• The iron in water is good for your body.

  The iron in drinking water is actually essential for good health. The human body requires iron to transport oxygen in the blood and lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia. The iron in drinking water helps fulfill daily nutritional requirements. The majority of water supplies in the United States provide approximately five percent of the daily iron requirement.

Iron Testing

• A laboratory can evaluate the level of iron in your water.

  If you are concerned about the level of iron in your water you can have it tested. Laboratory analysis of the water costs around $25 and can verify the scope of the problem and help determine the best treatment. These tests are available at a certified laboratory or local hardware store and are simple to use.