Dissolved iron in water might look and taste unappetizing, but it's not dangerous. In fact, you need iron in your diet to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin, which help transport oxygen in your blood. However, most of your dietary intake of iron derives from the foods you eat, not the amount of dissolved iron in water. The chemical form iron takes when dissolved in water is difficult for your body to absorb, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Effects
The negative effects of iron in your water are generally aesthetic. Plumbing fixtures, sinks, laundry and dishes might develop yellow, red or brown stains. You might notice a metallic taste in the water. Foods and beverages you make with the water might taste off or develop an inky, black appearance. Iron in your water also can lead to malfunctioning wells, pumps, dishwashers and sprinklers. For example, iron deposits along the interior of pipes can break loose, possibly clogging water lines and appliances.
Bacteria
If you notice red or brown slime on fixtures, bacteria that feed on iron might be present in your water. For example, foul-smelling biofilm might appear in your toilet's water tank. Iron bacteria are not harmful to humans, but the biofilm they produce can clog water fixtures and cause an unpleasant odor.
Treatment
If the iron contamination causes problems, send a water sample to a certified laboratory to determine the severity and type of contamination. The laboratory might recommend hiring a professional water treatment service. Typical remedies include shock chlorination to kill iron bacteria and the installation of water treatment devices to remove iron, which helps prevent the return of iron bacteria.
Causes
If you obtain your water from a public source, contact your local utility about the iron problem. The contamination source might be the local water supply. It also might be your home's plumbing. For example, the iron in your water might come from the corrosion of steel or iron pipes. If you have a private well, iron might enter your water supply when rainwater or melting snow seeps through nearby soil and rock that contains iron. If this is the case, it might be more cost-effective to hire professionals to make your current well deeper or to dig a new well.
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