Allowable Levels of Iron in Drinking Water

Thanks to the actions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this country has one of the safest water supplies in the world. The agency, along with state organizations, ensures the cleanliness of drinking water using the Safe Drinking Water Act as its guide. The act sets primary and secondary standards for chemical, microbiological, radiological and physical contaminants allowable in water. One secondary standard, which is a guideline and not enforceable by law, is for iron, which can be present at a level of 0.3mg per liter of water.

Time Frame

• The Safe Drinking Water Act was signed into law in 1974. It has been amended twice---in 1986 and 1996---to protect drinking water at its source.

Misconceptions

• Iron is considered a contaminant in water because it can alter taste and appearance, not for detrimental health effects. In fact, iron is necessary for good health because it carries oxygen in the blood.

Types

• There are two types of iron that can be present in water: soluble is the most common form and appears as reddish brown particles in a glass of clear water; insoluble iron appears to change the color of water to red or yellow and can affect taste and appearance.

Prevention/Solution

• Water can be tested to determine the types of iron present and be treated to bring iron levels into line with federal guidelines. Treatment includes aeration, filtration and chlorination.

Considerations

• The Safe Drinking Water Act and its regulations do not apply to bottled water or water from privately owned wells that serve fewer than 25 people.