Is it okay to drink iron rich water? Understanding Risks and Solutions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a secondary maximum contaminant level for iron at 0.3 mg/L, but this guideline is based on aesthetic concerns, not direct health threats for most people. So, is it okay to drink iron rich water? The answer depends on the concentration and individual health factors.

Quick Summary

Excessive iron in water primarily causes aesthetic issues like metallic taste and rust-colored stains, but can pose health risks for individuals with hemochromatosis. Water testing and appropriate filtration are key to managing this common problem.

Key Points

• Aesthetic Issues: High iron levels cause metallic taste, bad odor, rusty stains on fixtures and laundry, and potential clogs in plumbing.

• Limited Health Risk for Most: The body poorly absorbs iron from water, so it typically isn't a direct health risk for healthy individuals unless the concentration is extremely high.

• Risk for Hemochromatosis Patients: People with genetic conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis are at high risk for iron overload from any source and should not consume iron-rich water without a doctor's supervision.

• Test Your Water: The only way to know your water's iron content and type is through professional testing, which can identify the best treatment method.

• Diverse Treatment Options: Solutions range from simple water softeners for clear-water iron to more advanced oxidation/filtration systems for more concentrated or bacterial iron problems.

• Boiling Is Ineffective: Boiling water does not remove heavy metals like iron; it only concentrates them further as the water evaporates.

Understanding Iron in Your Water

Iron is a naturally occurring mineral found in the Earth's crust and is a common element in many water supplies, particularly private wells. As rainwater seeps through soil and rock formations, it can dissolve iron and carry it into groundwater aquifers. Corroded water pipes can also release iron into both private and public water systems. While a trace amount of this essential mineral is harmless and necessary for the body, high concentrations cause noticeable and often frustrating problems.

The Forms of Iron in Water

Iron can appear in water in different forms:

• Ferrous Iron (Fe²⁺): This form is dissolved and invisible when it first comes out of the tap. It is also known as "clear-water iron." However, when it is exposed to oxygen, it converts to ferric iron and causes discoloration.
• Ferric Iron (Fe³⁺): This is the oxidized form of iron, appearing as visible, reddish-brown particles in the water. This is what causes rust-colored water and stains.
• Iron Bacteria: These microorganisms feed on iron in water. They produce a slimy, gelatinous coating that sticks to pipes and fixtures and can cause a foul smell. While not typically disease-causing themselves, they can create an environment for other harmful bacteria.

Aesthetic Issues vs. Health Risks

For the vast majority of people, the primary problems with drinking iron-rich water are not health-related, but aesthetic and practical. However, there are significant health considerations for a smaller group of individuals.

Aesthetic and Household Problems

• Metallic Taste and Odor: Water with elevated iron levels can have an unpleasant metallic or rusty taste and a distinct odor, especially after the water has been standing for a while.
• Discoloration and Staining: Iron-rich water can leave reddish-brown or orange stains on laundry, sinks, toilets, and dishware. This staining is a key indicator of excess iron.
• Plumbing Clogs: The buildup of iron sediment inside pipes can lead to reduced water flow and pressure over time. This can damage water-using appliances like dishwashers and water heaters.

Health Considerations for Iron in Water

For most healthy individuals, the iron absorbed from drinking water is minimal and not a health concern because the body doesn't absorb it as efficiently as it does from food. However, excessive total iron intake from supplements, diet, and water can cause gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis: A Significant Risk

The most serious health risk is for individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb and store an abnormal amount of iron. This iron overload can accumulate in vital organs, leading to potentially serious complications such as:

• Liver damage, including cirrhosis or liver failure
• Heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms or heart failure
• Diabetes
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Bronze or gray skin color

If you have this condition, or a family history of it, you should inform your doctor of your water test results and consider an alternative drinking water supply or appropriate treatment.

Comparison of Aesthetic and Health Impacts

Feature	Aesthetic Effects	Health Effects (Most People)	Health Effects (Hemochromatosis)
Symptom Type	Visible, odor, taste	Minor digestive issues	Severe organ damage, chronic disease
Primary Cause	Oxidized iron, bacteria	Excessive intake from all sources	Genetic inability to regulate absorption
EPA Classification	Secondary contaminant	Generally none, unless very high intake	Significant concern, requires management
Affected Areas	Fixtures, laundry, pipes	Stomach, intestines	Liver, heart, pancreas, joints
Severity	Nuisance, costly repairs	Mild discomfort	Life-threatening without treatment

Testing Your Water for Iron

Since iron can be naturally present in well water, testing is the only way to know the exact concentration.

1. Contact a Certified Lab: A state-certified drinking water laboratory can provide accurate results for iron and other contaminants like manganese.
2. Conduct an In-Home Test: Some water filtration companies offer in-home tests that provide quick results for various contaminants, including iron.

Solutions for Removing Iron

Several treatment options exist, ranging from simple to comprehensive, depending on the severity of the iron concentration and your specific needs.

1. Water Softeners: Effective for removing low levels of clear-water (ferrous) iron by using an ion exchange process.
2. Oxidizing Filters: These filters use a media like manganese greensand or birm to oxidize the iron, causing it to precipitate and be filtered out.
3. Aeration and Filtration: This method injects air into the water to oxidize the iron before filtering out the solid particles.
4. Chemical Injection (Chlorination): For higher concentrations of iron, a chemical like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide is injected to oxidize the iron, followed by filtration.
5. Reverse Osmosis (RO): A point-of-use RO system can remove iron from drinking water. However, if iron levels are very high, it can clog the system quickly, so a whole-house filter is often recommended first.

Note: Boiling water does not remove iron or other heavy metals; it only concentrates them.

Conclusion

While is it okay to drink iron rich water is a common question, the answer is nuanced. For most people, high iron content in drinking water is not a direct health hazard, but rather a source of aesthetic nuisances like bad taste and staining. However, those with specific conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis must exercise caution, as they are at risk of serious iron overload. The key to managing iron-rich water is professional testing to determine the concentration and form of iron present, followed by the installation of a suitable water treatment system tailored to your specific needs. Taking these steps can ensure your water is not only safe, but also more palatable and easier on your home's plumbing and appliances. For further medical information on hemochromatosis, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a safe level of iron in drinking water?

The EPA's secondary standard for iron in drinking water is 0.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This is based on taste, color, and odor, not direct health risks, but levels above this are considered objectionable.

Can drinking iron-rich water make you sick?

For most healthy people, drinking water with moderate iron levels is not a significant health concern. However, very high intake can cause mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

How does iron get into my well water?

Iron is naturally found in the Earth's crust and can dissolve into groundwater as it moves through iron-bearing rocks and soil. Corroded plumbing can also contribute iron to the water supply.

Does iron in my water mean there's a serious health risk?

Not usually for the general population. The main issues are cosmetic and aesthetic, such as metallic taste, staining, and sediment buildup. The risk is highest for individuals with a genetic iron metabolism disorder like hemochromatosis.

How can I tell if my water has high iron levels?

Signs include a metallic taste, rusty-colored water, red or brown staining on laundry and fixtures, and particles settling at the bottom of a glass. A professional water test is the most accurate method.

Is it safe to shower in high-iron water?

Yes, showering in high-iron water is generally safe. Exposure through bathing or showering is not considered a significant route for iron absorption into the body.

Can I remove iron from my water at home?

Yes, there are several home treatment methods. Depending on the iron concentration and type, options include water softeners, oxidizing filters, and reverse osmosis systems.