As you mosey on over to your kitchen faucet or refrigerator water dispenser, intent on pouring a glass of water, what else is on your mind…at least as it concerns the water?
Chances are, little if anything.
That’s because, day in and day out, most people don’t even think about water quality. They assume that they’d already know by some abnormality in color, taste, odor, or other obvious signs. That isn’t necessarily true.
If your water contains unsafe levels of radon, for example, the symptoms aren’t in the water supply, but how you feel. A persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and others are all symptoms of radon-contaminated water.
Still, there plenty of water quality problems that do show themselves in plain sight. An abundance of iron is one them.
Iron-infused water is not a healthy risk, and yet, too much iron can result in stains on toilets, tubs, and sinks…iron can even discolor washed clothing.
The most common types of iron found in water are ferrous and ferric. Ferrous water (also known as clear water iron) has not been exposed to oxygen, which means it hasn’t rusted. If you pour a clear glass of water from your tap and the water turns brownish or yellow, you may have ferrous iron water.
Once ferrous iron mixes with oxygen or chlorine, it becomes ferric iron and changes from a solution to a particle – much like rust. Discolored water has an unpleasant taste and odor. And, unlike ferrous iron, it can clog water pipes and showerheads; it also can cause your dishwasher and washing machine to fail prematurely.
And now for the good news: a water filtration system can stop the iron particles from passing into your water and save you the resulting headaches and expense.
Here are other signs that your water contains too much iron for your own good:
- Strong metallic taste to water
- Discoloration or odor
- Orange or rust-colored stains on plumbing fixtures
- Orange rings in toilets, sinks, and bathtubs – especially where water stands
- Stains on freshly washed clothing
- Decrease in water flow or pressure
If you suspect high levels of iron in your water, contact Eagle Service Company today. We have the right solution for every home and budget, including yours.
