
To help prevent problems with iron staining, the EPA has recommended that your water should contain no more than 0.3 parts per million (ppm or milligrams per liter ) dissolved iron. As the water becomes oxidized, it can stain plumbing fixtures and clothes. Agitating the water or adding oxidants such as chlorine bleach or other home cleaners containing chlorine can accelerate this process. If you have dissolved or "clear water" iron, it may become oxidized once it is exposed to oxygen in the air. Oxidized iron needs to be removed with a sediment filter that will catch the small particles down to approximately five (5) microns before they pass into the home plumbing and/or other water conditioning equipment. Iron, which is oxidized, forms small "rust" particles that can give the water running out of a faucet a red, brown, or yellow color. The first step in proper iron removal is to determine if the iron is in particle form (oxidized state) or dissolved (reduced state). What color is the water when you first draw all glass? The color of the water is an initial clue as to the presence of oxidized iron. The Maximum Contaminant Level set out by the EPA is 0.3 milligrams per liter (mg/l), but this is merely a guideline and not a federal standard. The EPA considers iron in well water as a secondary contaminant, which means it does not have a direct impact on health. Iron typically stains everything that it touches a brown, red, or yellow color (depending upon the level), and has been known to clog or plug pipes, solenoids, nozzles, faucet aerators, and many other things, this leads to the need for scientifically back iron removal solutions. So, while iron may not be a problem from a consumption standpoint, it can be very detrimental to everything your water touches, including pipes, faucets, fixtures, washing machines, dishwashers, showers, tubs, clothing, dishes, and silverware.

Actually, iron is beneficial to humans and is a necessary nutrient in most diets. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not consider elevated iron concentrations in drinking water to be a health problem. However, most people get their daily minerals and vitamins through the food they eat and not the water they consume. Water is not a significant source of iron.
