Few things in life are more refreshing and healthy than an ice-cold glass of rust orange metallic tasting water… You need iron in your diet, but not quite like that. Here is some useful information about how iron gets in your water, potential hazards of it being there.
There are two ways iron can sneak into your well water…
1-Water from above the surface in the form of rain or melted snow travels through the soil into the well’s water supply. Along the water’s path, iron within the soil may dissolve into the water and follow it into the well.
2-The casings and pipes leading to and from the well are likely made of iron. When they are exposed to water and oxygen the iron can begin to deteriorate, causing the iron to oxidize, and form the natural by-product rust. As water travels through the pipes the rust flakes off into the water supply and subsequently into your tap and appliances.
Iron typically appears within well water in two common forms…
1- Ferric Iron is clear well water that has been exposed to oxygen, oxidized forming visible rust, giving the water a reddish color.
2- Ferrous Iron often comes from deeper wells or water sources.
Are There Any Health Hazards Caused from Having Iron in My Water?
If you have concerns about iron in your water supply, while it can be damaging to your water system and appliances, serious effects on your health are unlikely. Iron is an essential component of the human diet for proper function and it is highly improbable that you would consume a toxic amount solely through drinking water.
However, excessive iron in water may have negative effects on your hair and skin.
There may not be any consequences to your health from the iron present in your well water but your appliances, dishes, laundry, and food will definitely pay the price.