Clear Water Iron (Ferrous)

Yellow, brown or rusty stains on plumbing fixtures, water-using appliances and fabrics; metallic taste in foods and beverages; water is clear when drawn from the faucet but oxidizes when exposed to air, then changes color ranging from yellow to brown.

Cause: Iron in the water measuring 0.3 ppm or more.

Corrective Equipment
0.3 - 1.5 PPM Water Softener
1.5 - 7.5 PPM Iron Guard Water Softener
1.5 - 30 PPM Chemical Free Iron Filter (Note 1)

Red Water Iron (Ferric)

Same symptoms as Clear Water Iron but iron has already oxidized and has a yellow to rust color when drawn from the faucet.

Cause: Iron in the water measuring 0.3 PPM or more.

Corrective Equipment
0.3 - 30 PPM Chemical Free Iron Filter (Note 1)
0.3 - 10 PPM Iron & Sulphur Filter

Bacterial Iron

Same symptoms as Clear & Red Water Iron but can have clumps or balls that may foul plumbing lines and other water-using appliances; particularly noticeable as a yellow to reddish slime in toilet flush tanks.

Cause: Iron bacteria are a group of bacteria which thrive in iron-bearing water, utilizing iron as an energy source. This bacteria is not a health hazard.

Corrective Equipment
Chemical Free Iron filter (Note1)

Manganese

Blackish stain on fixtures and laundry; manganese content above 0.05 PPM causes stains.

Cause: Interaction of carbon dioxide or organic matter with manganese-bearing soils. Usually found in combination with iron.

Corrective Equipment
.05-1.0 PPM Chemical Free M Iron Filter (Note1) 1.0 -
2.0 PPM Neutralizing Filter followed by Iron & Sulphur Filter (Note 2)

Acid Water

Blue/green or rusty stains and corrosion of plumbing fixtures and other water-using appliances; pitting of porcelain and enamel fixtures and dishes. Pin holes in copper plumbing lines.

Cause: Generally associated with water with a pH value of less than the neutral 7.0.

Corrective Equipment
pH 6.0 - 6.9 Neutralizing Filter
pH 4.0 - 6.9 Chemical Feed Pump feeding soda ash
Consult our Customer Service Dept.

Aggressive / Corrosive Water

Same symptoms as Acid Water but pH is 7.0 or higher.

Cause: Alkalinity and carbon dioxide or high dissolved oxygen in water. Electrolysis - two dissimilar metals in plumbing lines.

Corrective Equipment
Consult our Customer Service Dept.

Hydrogen Sulfide

Rotten egg taste and/or odor. Turns copper plumbing lines black. Very corrosive.
Cause: Hydrogen sulfide is a dissolved gas found in some water supplies

Corrective Equipment
0.1 - 3.0 PPM Chemical Free Iron Filter or Iron & Sulphur Filter
3.0 - 15 PPM Chemical Feed Pump feeding chlorine followed by a Multimedia Filter. (Note 3)

Marshy, metallic or chlorine taste and/or odors

Objectionable tastes and/or odors other than hydrogen sulfide.

Cause: Dissolved minerals or gases; organic contamination or chlorination.

Corrective Equipment
Activated Carbon Filter for whole house water supply or Taste & Odor Cartridge Filter for individual faucets.

Turbidity (Sand/Sediment)

Foreign particles, dirty or cloudy water

Cause: Tiny suspended particles that are the result of water main scale or silt. Private wells often contain sand or clay.

Corrective Equipment
Multimedia Filter for whole house water supply or a Sediment Cartridge Filter for individual faucets.

Tannins

Yellow or brown tint or cast in water supply; tannins measuring 0.5 PPM or higher may cause staining and/or interference with various water treatment processes.

Cause: Result of decaying vegetative matter

Corrective Equipment
Organic Color Removal Filter
Consult our Customer Service Dept.