High concentrations of iron and manganese are problems that sometimes occur in municipal water supplies. There are specific treatment solutions that can be used for iron and manganese control in groundwater.
What Are Iron and Manganese?
Iron and manganese are metals that are often found in water. These elements are naturally occurring and in small amounts are essential to a healthy diet. According to the AWWA, the iron and manganese found in groundwater are generally in a dissolved state and will remain stable over time.
Why Should Iron and Manganese Be Treated?
Neither iron nor manganese are desirable in drinking water. Extremely difficult to contend with, both iron and manganese — when found in high levels in municipal drinking water — are treated in order to improve the quality of the water.
The Difficulties of Iron-Rich Water
Of the two elements, iron is typically the more prevalent of the two as well as being the greater nuisance. When iron is oxidized, it changes the color of the water, giving it a rust shade varying from yellow to dark orange.
High quantities of iron in water can be damaging. The stains that iron-rich water put in clothing cannot be removed. The iron can permanently stain porcelain. And, most costly of all, iron galvanizes to metal pipes and builds up on plastic pipes, becoming virtually impossible to remove once hardened to pipe interiors.
Difficulties of Manganese-Rich Water
Manganese is less common in drinking water than iron because, as a whole, it is less common in the environment. But, when high quantities of manganese are found in drinking water, virtually all the same issues iron creates, manganese produces as well.
If you have black rings on your porcelain, it is probably due to an excess of manganese. Manganese does not have a pleasant taste nor odor. It stains clothing. Manganese gives water a cloudy, greyish to black color depending on the concentration present.
Like iron, it builds up on the insides of pipes and, after a time, will reduce water pressure to the point that the pipes must be replaced.
When an entire community is affected by water that is high in iron and/or manganese, the costs can be astronomical. The poor aesthetics caused by oxidized iron and manganese will also cause a loss of confidence in the safety of the water.
Options for Iron and Manganese Treatment In Groundwater
There are several methods that can be used for iron and manganese control for groundwater. The United States Department of Agriculture suggests having the water tested before deciding the best method of treatment because the success of different treatments depends on factors such as the hardness of the water, pH, and the presence of other elements and organic materials.
AOS will create a thorough industrial or municipal water treatment plan that will treat excessive amounts of manganese and iron in groundwater. We have the experience to provide an effective solution that will improve water quality as well as meet all regulatory standards.
Contact a consultant at AOS Treatment Solutions for iron and manganese control for groundwater.