How to Remove Iron From Drinking Water

Iron present in drinking water isn't usually hazardous to your health, but it can affect the color and taste. It may also stain your dishes and emit an unpleasant odor. This can be reason enough to remove iron from your drinking water. There are various types of iron contamination and each one has a different treatment option.

Instructions

• 1

  Get your drinking water tested to determine iron content. Most local health departments will test your water for a small fee. Some pool or water treatment supply stores may offer testing services for drinking water as well.

• 2

  Choose a filtration system with chlorination and a mechanical filter if rust particles are present or water contains more than 10 ppm of iron.

• 3

  Install a water softener system if your water has a pH of 6.8 or less and 0.3 to 10 ppm of iron. Water softeners remove iron as well as calcium and manganese. They also enhance sodium content using ion exchange.

• 4

  Choose an oxidizing filter if your tap water has a pH greater than 6.8 and 0.3 to 10 ppm of iron. These filters oxidize iron and absorb iron particles.