Maximum Amount of Iron in Water

We all need water to live, so finding good sources for it is integral to maintaining life. Iron is a common element found in water, and the water is safe to drink as long as the amount of iron in the water is below a certain level set by the U.S. government.

Regulation

• The maximum levels of "nuisance chemicals" permitted in water is set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Iron is one such nuisance chemical. These are referred to as maximum content levels (MCLs). These levels fall under the category of "enforceable" laws, which means that fines can be handed out if a supplier of water fails to meet these governmental standards.

Iron in Water

• The maximum contaminant level for iron in water is 0.3 mL per liter. This number is also sometimes expressed as 0.3 parts per million (ppm).

Identification

• Iron-rich water is often fairly easy to identify. The most identifiable characteristic of water with excess iron is its reddish, rusty color. Other things to look for include a metallic taste, sediment (either suspended or settled at the bottom of a container) and the tendency of the water to leave behind an orange or reddish stain.