Iron or manganese in water cause black or rusty stains throughout the home, and can lead to damaging build-up in pipes and appliances.
Iron and Manganese are commonly found in Irish ground-waters. Next to hardness, the presence of iron is probably the most common water problem faced by consumers in Ireland. Clothing washed in water containing excessive iron may become stained a brownish colour. The taste of beverages, such as tea and coffee, may also be affected by iron.
Manganese produces a brownish colour in laundered clothing, leaves black particles on fixtures and as with iron, affects the taste of beverages, including coffee and tea.
Removing iron stains can be a daily chore for those with iron in their well water. Ferrous (clearwater) iron is most common, appearing clear out of the tap, but turning rusty and leaving iron stains over time after exposure to oxygen. Less common is ferric (redwater) iron, which is a rusty color directly from the tap, and will also leave iron stains in sinks, tubs, and laundry.
In addition to leaving difficult-to-clean iron stains, iron deposits can damage pipes and appliances, resulting in decreased efficiency and costly repairs. Manganese is often found in water with a high iron content, and will appear as a gray or black staining.
Signs of Iron & Staining
- Sinks, tubs and toilets have rusty-colored or black stains
- Pipes and appliances accumulate a build-up of iron
- Water can have a metallic taste
The Solution
Over the years our suppliers have developed effective and inexpensive methods of Iron/Manganese Removal and below we have outlined these options:
Option A – Ecomix using Vortech® filtration technology
ECOMIX is a unique filtration media which solves 5 typical problems of well water in one step and in one system. It effectively removes all forms of Iron and Manganese, major part of organic matter, softens the water and provides odour control. ECOMIX is a homogeneous mixture of five high quality natural and synthetic ion-exchange and absorption materials with catalytic properties. The regeneration is performed by a salt solution and does not require a large flow and volume of water that positively distinguishes it from standard technologies.
Option B – Crystal Right
Crystal Right works by an ion exchange process, which removes iron, manganese and hardness. The minimum pH requirement is 6.0 and Crystal Right will raise the pH in these acidic waters. Crystal Right works at its best on clear water, i.e. when the iron/manganese are in a dissolved form. Crystal Right will also remove hardness with no extra treatment. The media bed can be sanitised with chlorine from time to time. The regeneration process is exactly the same as that used in a water softener and requires regeneration with salt. 
Option C – Oxidation
Filox & Birm Sand are relatively inexpensive materials which can be used for iron and manganese removal by oxidation. Both media act as a catalyst to promote the reaction between the oxygen and iron dissolved in the water. No chemical regeneration and therefore need never be replaced. Since the Filox/Birm media are so dense and heavy, higher & more regular backwash rates are required to clean the media. Filox may be used within the 5.0 – 9.0 pH range where as to use Birm a pH of 6.8 is required.
Call Des at Uisce 4 U now at 061-351643 for more information about heavy metals such as iron, manganese and lead in water or to arrange a site visit and consultation without obligation.
Alternatively, submit the product inquiry form and we will contact you, usually within 24 hours.
