|
Sources of Iron contamination
Iron is dissolved by precipitation seeping through the ground. The dissolved iron is then carried into almost all water supplies, including wells. This is why iron is
present in tap water. It can also enter from iron pipes. The water flowing through these would dissolve iron as it passes. Rain also picks up iron that is found in
atmospheric dust as it falls to the ground.
Health Concerns
There isn't any health concerns with iron. Iron won't hurt you. Actually, too little iron is a problem in your diet. I suppose you don't want any iron in your water, but
if you do, there isn't any health risks.
Precautions and Procedures to Reduce your Risk
To find out if you have acceptable levels of iron you should get a test from an agency like those listed below. If you find you have iron, there are various forms of
treatment for iron. Water Softeners help reduce the risk, as do filtration systems and aeration systems (oxygen changes iron from soluble to insoluble). Others that
make iron insoluble are: chlorination, ion exchange (substitutes an acceptable ion, like sodium, for soluble iron), and ozonation (special form of aeration).
Sequestering is the process of adding chemical agents to prevent red stains. Manganese greensand is an ion exchange sand material that removes iron. These are all
things you can do to prevent iron contamination.
Who to Contact?
Western District Westby City Water Utility La Crosse Health Dept.
Department of Natural Resources 200 N. Main St. 300 N. 4Street
1300 W. Clairemont Ave. Box 4001 Westby, WI 54667 La Crosse, WI 54601
Eau Claire, WI 54702 (608) 634-3416 (608) 785-9872
(715) 839-3700
|
|
