Explore Common Causes Of Iron
If you’ve ever noticed reddish stains in your sink, a metallic taste in your water or discoloration in your laundry, you’re likely dealing with high iron in water. This is a common issue for many homeowners in Victoria, TX. While iron is naturally found in the environment, excessive amounts in your water supply can cause staining, plumbing issues and an unpleasant taste.
At American Water, we help homeowners take control of their water quality with advanced filtration solutions. Let’s explore why Victoria’s water tends to have high iron levels and how to reduce iron in water effectively.
What Causes High Iron In Water?
Iron makes its way into local water supplies through natural and man-made factors. The most common reasons for iron in water in Victoria include:
- Groundwater contamination — Many homes in Victoria rely on groundwater sources, which naturally contain iron from surrounding soil and rock formations.
- Aging plumbing systems — Older pipes, especially iron ones, corrode over time, introducing iron particles into your water.
- High mineral content in soil — The geology of South Texas contributes to higher levels of iron, particularly in well water.
- Municipal water sources — While the city of Victoria treats its water, iron can still be present in trace amounts, particularly in areas with older infrastructure.
Even though iron in water isn’t considered dangerous for human health, it can cause frustrating household problems.
How Does Iron In Water Affect Your Home?
Iron in your water can cause a range of problems, including:
- Rust-colored stains — If you see reddish or orange stains in your sinks, tubs or toilets, iron buildup is likely to blame. These stains can be difficult to remove and make your fixtures look dirty.
- Metallic taste and odor — Water with high iron content often has a bitter, metallic taste making it unpleasant to drink or cook with.
- Plumbing issues — Iron can accumulate in your pipes over time, leading to blockages and reduced water pressure.
- Laundry discoloration — High iron levels can cause clothes to appear dingy or develop rust-colored stains after washing.
- Bacterial growth — Iron bacteria thrive in iron-rich water, forming slimy deposits in plumbing and affecting water quality.
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s time to explore how to get rid of iron with the right filtration system.
How To Get Rid of Iron In Your Water
The best way to tackle high iron in water is with a targeted filtration system designed for iron removal. At American Water, we recommend two highly effective solutions:
Reverse osmosis (RO) is an excellent option for removing dissolved iron, along with other contaminants like sediment, chlorine and heavy metals. These systems provide cleaner drinking water by filtering out impurities at the molecular level. Alternatively, the Kinetico Powerline Backwashing Filter is a powerful solution that can also target sediment.
The right solution depends on the type and concentration of iron in your water. That’s why professional testing is crucial before installing a system.
Do Water Softeners Remove Iron?
Water softeners are designed to remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium, but they can help with low levels of iron. However, if your water has higher iron levels, a softener alone isn’t the best solution.
Over time, excessive iron can clog and damage the resin in a water softener, reducing its efficiency. That’s why we recommend pairing a softener with an iron filtration system, like the Kinetico Powerline Backwashing Filter, to fully address the issue.
Trust American Water For Reliable Filtration Solutions
At American Water, we’re proud to help Victoria homeowners achieve cleaner, safer water for over 30 years. Our team specializes in custom water filtration solutions, including iron removal systems tailored to your home’s unique water quality needs.
If you’re struggling with iron in water, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today for expert recommendations on the best filtration system for your home.
