Water Hardness

The four different types of iron in water are:

Ferrous (clear water)
Is soluble and dissolves in water. It is usually detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after taking, the sample is clear. As the water sample stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as air oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes. This unit WILL remove moderate amounts of this type of iron (see the softener performance specifications chart. When using the softener to remove Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron.

Ferric (red water) and bacterial and organically bound iron
This iron is insoluble and is visible immediately when drawn from the faucet because it has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears as small cloudy yellow, orange or reddish suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle to the bottom of the container. Generally, these irons are removed from water by filtration. Chlorination is also recommended for bacterial iron. This unit WILL NOT remove Ferric or bacterial iron.

Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (Ferrous or Ferric)
This is iron of Ferric or Ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of water. In some instances, treatment may improve colloidal iron water, but always consult a qualified water chemistry lab before attempting to treat it. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn. After standing for several hours, the color persists and the iron does not settle, but remains suspended in the water. This unit WILL NOT remove colloidal iron.