Water is necessary for daily activities, from drinking and cooking to cleaning and bathing. However, it may contain iron and sulfur, commonly found in wells, groundwater, and municipal water sources. Although generally safe, these impurities are hazardous in large amounts. Both can lead to a host of household and health problems, including:
- Stains: Iron water leaves reddish-brown marks on sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and clothing. These stains are difficult to remove even with bleach and may require costly cleaning products.
- Clogs in Piping Systems: Pipes clog because of accumulated iron deposits and slimy substances caused by sulfur bacteria. These blockages can damage plumbing fixtures and appliances over time, diminishing efficiency and service life.
- Metal Corrosion: Large amounts of hydrogen sulfide in water can severely corrode and damage metal pipes, plumbing fixtures, and appliances over time.
- Unpleasant Taste and Odor: Iron makes the water smell and taste metallic, while sulfur gives it a rotten egg odor and a sharp, bitter taste. These changes render water unsuitable for drinking and cooking.
- Skin and Hair Problems: High sulfur and iron levels in bath water can leave skin itchy or greasy and hair dull or damaged. Although many think sulfate offers beauty benefits, there aren’t enough studies to prove it.
- Health Issues: While iron naturally occurs in the human body, consuming iron-rich water can encourage the growth of E. coli and other bacteria. Drinking water with excessive sulfate can cause dehydration, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Treating Iron and Sulfur Water
Tackling this problem requires using specialized iron and sulfur water filters. Some options you can use include:
- Iron Removal Filter: Through oxidation, this solution targets and converts dissolved iron into solid particles that the filters trap. It can also remove hydrogen sulfide by converting it into insoluble, easy-to-extract sulfur. This filter works best when the water is infused with agents like chlorine or air.
- Chlorination System: This option eliminates bacteria, iron, and sulfur. It introduces chlorine into water, an oxidizing agent that makes it easier to filter out iron and hydrogen sulfide gas.
- Reverse Osmosis System: Distinguished by multiple semipermeable filters, this solution removes numerous impurities, including hydrogen sulfide gas and iron particles. However, this system is most effective when used alongside other filtration solutions.
- Water Softener: Although primarily used to eliminate calcium and magnesium, this equipment removes iron by exchanging it with sodium ions. However, this works best for water with low levels of ferrous iron. It needs to work with additional filtration methods to reduce high iron levels.
Tackle Water Contamination With Adams Water Conditioning
Removing iron and sulfur from water is mandatory to protect your family’s health and home. High-quality filtration systems are your partner in ensuring access to clean, crisp, and great-tasting water. Contact us to inquire about our iron and sulfur filters and water treatment solutions in Ocala, FL.
