Iron and Lead Water Treatment

Iron and lead are two common contaminants found in drinking water that can pose serious health risks and affect the taste and appearance of the water. While iron is an essential mineral for the human body, its presence in water can lead to a rusty appearance and metallic taste. Lead, on the other hand, is a toxic substance that can lead to a range of health issues, including developmental problems, cancer risk, and damage to various organs.

Iron is a naturally occurring element found in soil, rocks, and groundwater. In small amounts, iron in drinking water is not a health hazard, but it can cause unpleasant taste, staining, and plumbing issues. However, high iron in water can encourage the growth of certain bacteria, leading to biofilm buildup in your pipes and water fixtures.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has no safe level in drinking water according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lead in water can damage the nervous system, particularly in children, and may lead to developmental delays, behavioral problems, and other long-term health issues.

Key health and home concerns:

• Iron: Rust stains on fixtures, metallic taste, clogged pipes, and increased bacterial growth.

Lead: Irreversible neurological damage, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and serious health risks for pregnant women and children.

Iron and lead can enter your home water supply in different ways. Knowing their sources will help you choose the right treatment.

Common sources of iron in tap water:

• Natural deposits in groundwater
• Corroding iron pipes or well casings
• Iron bacteria growth in wells
• Municipal water system corrosion

Common sources of lead in drinking water:

• Lead service lines connecting homes to the municipal water supply
• Corroded brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures
• Lead solder used in copper plumbing before 1986
• Plumbing systems exposed to corrosive water with low pH

Iron is easier to detect without testing because it often changes the look, smell, or taste of your water. Lead, on the other hand, is invisible and has no taste or smell — making it more dangerous because you may not know it’s there until you test.

Signs of iron in tap water may include:

• Reddish-brown or yellow stains on sinks, tubs, and toilets
• Metallic taste in water or beverages made with it
• Cloudy or rusty water coming from faucets, especially after periods of non-use
• Unusual smell, sometimes described as earthy or musty
• Clogging in appliances like dishwashers and washing machines

Signs of lead in water are trickier:

• There are no direct sensory clues (you can’t see, smell, or taste it)
• Older homes built before 1986 with original plumbing are at higher risk

Water samples from kitchen taps in older buildings often reveal lead levels in water above EPA action limits

Testing is the only reliable way to determine if you have iron in water or lead in drinking water.

How to test for iron:

1. DIY water test kits — Available at hardware stores, these can detect total iron content.
2. Laboratory testing — Offers precise readings for dissolved and particulate iron.
3. Well inspections — If you’re on well water, periodic checks can detect high iron in water early.

How to test for lead:

1. Certified lab testing — The EPA recommends using certified laboratories for accurate results.
2. Local water utility testing — Many utilities offer free or low-cost testing for residents.

First-draw sampling — Take samples after water has been sitting in pipes for several hours to measure worst-case lead levels in water.

When people ask, “Is iron water soluble?” the answer depends on the type of iron:

• Ferrous iron (soluble) is dissolved in the water and clear when drawn from the tap but turns reddish after standing as it oxidizes.
• Ferric iron (insoluble) is already oxidized, causing water to appear rusty or cloudy.
• Organic-bound iron is complexed with organic matter, making it harder to remove.

The type of iron present affects which iron water treatment method will work best.

Iron often finds its way into groundwater sources, and even a small contamination of 0.3 mg/l can affect the water's appearance and taste. Thankfully, there are several methods to treat iron water at home:

• Water Softeners: These work by exchanging the iron molecules with sodium ions, reducing impurities.
• Reverse Osmosis System: This method pushes water through semi-permeable membranes, catching and removing iron molecules.
• Iron Filter Methods: These use a chemical reaction to oxidize the iron molecules, making them easier to filter out.