According to the Minnesota Department of Health, when water is red or yellow in color, it probably contains some dissolved iron. Too much iron may adversely affect the taste of your water. It can also cause staining on light-colored surfaces. The total amount of iron actually dissolved in your water can only be accurately determined through qualified laboratory tests. However, there are field kits that will allow you to test water for iron at home, giving you a basic idea how much of this common metal is present in your tap or well water.

Deciding if You Need to Test

If you suspect that iron is present in your water, this does not necessarily indicate a hazard. Iron is not usually present in amounts that would make it toxic. However, it could be associated with other potential problems, such as corrosion of pipes due to acidic pH. That can create a plumbing problem if not corrected.

Buying a Field Test Kit

Home water testing kits are available for purchase online for as little as $20, as of 2009. Lab-quality iron tests can cost in excess of $200. Tests are often grouped together in kits. For example, various strips in the kit may test for copper, chlorine, total alkalinity or hardness as well as for iron; or, a single strip may feature several indicator patches for different substances. If you want strips that only test for iron and nothing else, you may have to purchase them in bulk (50 or more).

Using the Kit

Dip the strip into the water sample for the length of time specified in the kit instructions. The indicator on the strip will change color during this time. At the end of the timed period, match the strip to the color table included in the kit. The depth of the color on the strip's indicator patch will give you a rough idea of the amount of iron in the water. Measurements are usually made in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). These two measurements are roughly equivalent.

Understanding the Results

Normal iron levels are usually under .3 ppm. If your water contains more iron than this, the taste and color may be affected. This does not mean the water isn't safe to drink. The EPA recommends contacting your local water supplier if you have questions about the safety of your water. You can also read the annual report that is mailed with your bill. This generally contains health and safety information for consumers and will list the levels of all the common contaminants in your water supply.

Source:

Minnesota Department of Health: Iron in Well Water

EPA: Drinking Water Information

Resource:

Field Test Kits for Iron in Water