Iron is a chemical element with the atomic number 26 and the element symbol Fe. Iron is particularly common in well water. If you have your own well, you can usually tell by the brown discoloration in the water. A high iron content in water is not a health concern. The high iron content tends to lead to technical problems, for example in the pipe network or in technical devices such as the washing machine. Iron deposits can destroy many devices or clog pipes, significantly reducing water flow.
A substance essential for the body
The human body needs it. On the one hand, the substance is important for the red blood pigment, and on the other hand it is also important for various enzymes and myoglobin, a muscle protein. It thus contributes to the functioning of the body. It is also stored in the body.
Pregnant women and children in particular have a particularly high need, while older women and men have the lowest.
Is iron still harmful?
Like many other trace elements, it is toxic in high quantities. It also has negative effects on the taste and color of drinking water. The water can therefore turn brownish.
Furthermore, deposited iron in the water can form niches for microorganisms and bacteria. The iron content is considered an indicator parameter. Limiting the iron content also has a hygienic function.
Limit Exceeded?
According to the EU and German drinking water regulations, the specified limit is 0.2 mg/l.
A special water treatment system for your own well water can help. With a special exchanger resin, iron as well as manganese, ammonium , calcium and magnesium ( water hardness ) can be removed from the well water.
