There are pollutants in municipal water as well as well water. Iron contamination of water is more common in well water but not restricted to it. When iron, manganese, etc are present in water you may notice an unpleasant metallic taste to water. A major indicator of iron contamination is staining of plumbing fixtures and laundry when you use this water. Though iron content in water in limited quantities is not a major health issue, other related contaminants badly affect plumbing fixtures and appliances. If you are facing such problem you need to have filters to remove iron from water.
Iron in water may be ferric iron or ferrous iron. When particles of solid iron or rust are found in water it is called as ferric iron which needs to be removed by mechanical water filters. The iron dissolved in water also called clear iron water needs filtering with special iron water filters. Dissolved iron may not be visible when it comes through the faucet. The water may seem clear but it has a brown color when left standing. Whole house iron water filters are often the first choice for many. Counter top as well as under sink iron water filters are equally effective if you feel that the cost and user monitoring involved in whole house systems is too much. Moreover, choice of filters to remove iron from water depends on the extent of contamination as well as other pollutants and hardness of water.
You can even add iron filter to you existing whole house filter. Filters to remove iron from water are generally installed on main cold water line after the pressure tank or water meter. The technology commonly used is manganese greensand which removes contamination using an oxidation process. It improves water clarity and substantially removes taste and odor from water. With filtration you would also notice a reduction in stains from your plumbing system like toilets, bath tubs and showers. Moreover, the process does not add any harmful chemicals to water making it completely safe for drinking. If you have an RO system and add iron water filter the life of the membrane improves with reduction in amount of iron and manganese.
Manufacturers like Culligan, Brita, Aquasana, etc offer different types of iron filters. Iron water filters can be used with counter top water filters as well as under sink filters. You can even get iron water filter replacement cartridges when the need arises after the life specified for iron filter is over. One such good quality cartridge is the Aquasana EQ-300IP that can filter different amounts of iron and manganese from water. Along with removing iron it also removes hydrogen sulfide. It ensures that the ‘rotten egg’ smell is removed from water. Most cartridges can be used on water at varying ph range. They are easy to install and do not occupy much space. Regular maintenance and replacement is advisable to ensure efficiency of filters. There is no risk of backwashing, chemical addition or any media regeneration.
Iron water filters effectively remove contaminants from municipal water as well as well water. Depending upon needs of your household you can buy the necessary iron water filters to ensure clean, pure and fresh water for all purposes.