How to Remove Iron from Well Water + 7 Best Iron Filter Reviews
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Last Updated:
Please note: This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more about our product review process or check our FTC affiliate disclosure.
If you receive water from a well it likely contains iron. This can be a problem since iron can alter the taste and odor of water, leave ugly reddish stains on basically every surface it touches, and damage home appliances and water treatment equipment.
Thus, it’s not a surprise that, just like you, people are trying to get rid of the heavy metal. But how? How do you remove iron from (well) water effectively?
This guide provides all the answers. You’ll find our collection of the best iron water filters and water softeners, and you’ll learn everything you need to know about iron water treatment.
On This Page You Will…
No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Iron Filters & Softeners!
| Systems | Our Rating | Price | System Type | Iron Type(s) | Max Iron Level | Responsive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best Water Filter for Well Water with Iron: SpringWell WS4 | Read Review | $$$$ | Air Injection + Greensand | Ferrous + Ferric (Rust) | 7 ppm |  Best Water Filter for Well Water with Iron: SpringWell WS4 Our Rating: Read Review |
 Our #1 Filter System for Very High Iron Levels: Crystal Quest | Read Review | $$$ | Greensand | Ferrous + Ferric (Rust) | 12+ ppm |  Our #1 Filter System for Very High Iron Levels: Crystal Quest Our Rating: Read Review |
 Best Cartridge Water Filter for Well Water with Iron: Home Master HMF3SdgFeC | Read Review | $$ | Iron Filter Cartridge | Ferrous + Ferric (Rust) | 3 ppm |  Best Cartridge Water Filter for Well Water with Iron: Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Our Rating: Read Review Use our coupon code BOSFREEWH at checkout and get FREE SHIPPING! |
| Use our coupon code BOSFREEWH at checkout and get FREE SHIPPING! | ||||||
 Our Preferred Water Softener for Well Water Containing Iron: SpringWell | Read Review | $$$ | Ion Exchange Water Softener | Ferrous | 3 ppm |  Our Preferred Water Softener for Well Water Containing Iron: SpringWell Our Rating: Read Review |
 Water Softener for Iron Up to 15 ppm: Fleck 5600SXT with SST-60 Resin | Read Review | $$ | Ion Exchange Water Softener | Ferrous | Up to 15 ppm |  Water Softener for Iron Up to 15 ppm: Fleck 5600SXT with SST-60 Resin Our Rating: Read Review |
 Best Iron Bacteria Filter: Pelican WF4 + RT-1248 Retention Tank (Separate Link) | Read Review | $$$$ | Bleach Oxidation + Greensand Plus + Carbon | Ferrous + Ferric (Rust) + Iron Bacteria | Highest |  Best Iron Bacteria Filter: Pelican WF4 + RT-1248 Retention Tank (Separate Link) Our Rating: Read Review |
The Best Iron Filter for Well Water? – Our Best Whole House Iron Filter Reviews
Air Injection Iron Filter Reviews (Chemical Free)
Our #1 Top Pick for Medium to High Iron Levels: SpringWell WS4
In our opinion, the best iron filter for well water in 2020 is the SpringWell WS4. It combines air injection with greensand filter media to handle medium to high levels of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide in water with ease. People who’ve installed the filter system said the difference is night and day – no more iron staining, improved water taste, and rotten egg smell totally gone.
And the best thing: The SpringWell WS4 is virtually maintenance-free for years. All in all, this is our top choice when it comes to iron filtration. 5 stars!
SpringWell Water WS4 Whole House Iron Water Filter System | |
| Price: | $$$$ |
| System Type: | Air Injection + Greensand |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferrous + Ferric |
| Max Iron Level: | 7 ppm |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating | |
Pros
- SpringWell Water whole house WS4 system creates a compressed air bubble in the top of the tank to oxidize any ferrous iron prior to being filtered. Greensand filter media acts as an oxidizer + physical barrier to trap all precipitated iron.
- Maximum removal of combined ferric (red-water iron) & ferrous (clear-water iron) of up to 7 ppm which is more than enough for most waters.
- Sulfur/hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor) up to 8 ppm.
- Manganese removal up to 1 ppm.
- The greensand also helps with arsenic and radium in water.
- Water pH between 6.5 and 10 is required.
- Filters 20 gallons of water per minute for homes with 4+ bathrooms.
- Smaller version is rated at 12 gpm service flow for 1-4 bathrooms.
- Iron filter has to regenerate to replenish oxygen supply and backwash the precipitated iron trapped in the media bed. Happens automatically so no need to worry.
- Air pocket resets daily.
- Greensand bed flushes every couple of days depending on your water usage and water quality. Only requires water for backwashing. No harsh chemicals whatsoever.
- Electronic control head has Bluetooth function and is easily programmable via app.
- Bypass valve + illustrated guide allow for DIY installation.
- Greensand lasts a full 18 to 25 years with no work required from your end (maintenance-free).
- SpringWell Water provides 6-month no-risk satisfaction guarantee for peace of mind.
- Tank, filter media, valve, and fittings are covered by lifetime warranty.
- Great customer support.
Cons
- Uses plastic fittings instead of metal.
Our Recommendation for Homes with Very High Iron Levels: Crystal Quest Iron Whole House Water Filter
Crystal Quest’s Iron Whole House Water Filter can handle iron concentrations in water of up to 12 ppm (and possibly more). Thus, it’s our top recommendation for water supplies with very high iron levels. Of course, the system also takes care of manganese and hydrogen sulfide.
In addition, a pre-filter traps sediment, sand, silt, and other large particles. A carbon post-filter removes all kinds of chemicals and organic compounds – think VOCs and pesticides. This not only prevents the large mineral tank from clogging, it also improves water aesthetics. 5 stars.
Crystal Quest Iron Whole House Water Filter | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| System Type: | Greensand |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferrous + Ferric |
| Max Iron Level: | 12+ ppm |
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
Our Rating | |
Pros
- Primary filter media is glauconite green sand which removes iron, sulfur, and manganese from water through oxidation + filtration.
- Precipitates are flushed out of tank in backwash cycles.
- Proprietary copper-zinc alloy additive prevents bacteria from fouling the tank over time.
- Choose from 2 system sizes:
- 1.5 cubic feet resin can provide 9-11 gallons per minute water flow for homes with 1-3 bathrooms. Iron filtration capacity: 750,000 gallons or 5-7 years.
- 2.0 cubic feet resin is rated at 10-13 gpm for 3+ bathrooms. Filtration capacity: 1,000,000 gallons or 6-8 years.
- 5-micron sediment filter is used for pre-filtration. Coconut-based activated carbon block filter is used for post-filtration. Last between 1 and 2 years.
- Annual maintenance cost: $35-50 – super affordable!
- Available with fiberglass or stainless steel casing for longevity.
- Straightforward installation thanks to clear instructions.
- Crystal Quest gives performance guarantee or money back.
- Customer support is very helpful and quick to connect.
- System is covered by 1-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Not exactly cheap.
Best Cartridge Water Filter for Well Water with Iron: Home Master HMF3SdgFeC
In our opinion, the best cartridge water filter for well water with iron in 2020 is the Home Master HMF3SdgFeC. The water should be chlorine-free, though. If that’s the case, the HMF3SdgFeC will not only take care of iron, it’ll also trap manganese, sulfur, sediment – good for your appliances – , all kinds of potentially harmful chemicals as well as some microorganisms, and overall bad water taste and odor.
Make sure to use our coupon code BOSFREEWH at checkout for FREE SHIPPING!
Home Master HMF3SdgFeC System with Iron Water Filter Cartridge | |
| Price: | $$ |
| System Type: | Iron Filter Cartridge |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferric + Ferrous |
| Max Iron Level: | 3 ppm |
| Warranty: | 2 Years |
Our Rating | |
Pros
- Whole house cartridge water filter systems are more affordable upfront.
- Uses multi-gradient density sediment water filter (25 – 10 – 5 – 1 micron nominal) to make your water crystal clear and free from bacteria and cysts.
- The iron filter cartridge reduces up to 3 ppm ferrous and ferric which is relatively low.
- Manganese and sulfur will lower the filter life at up to 2-6 times the rate of iron.
- Granular activated carbon filter gives the water a final polish.
- Optimal water pH is 7.0+.
- Max flow rate of 15 gpm is enough water homes with 4+ bathrooms.
- Can be installed by handy DIYer.
- Low in maintenance. Most people are probably looking at biannual filter replacements.
- Great customer support! You are free to send in your well water report and get recommendations from the knowledgeable staff members.
- 2-year limited warranty.
Cons
- There’s no built-in bypass valve.
- Replacement filters are rather pricey.
→ Read Our Full Home Master HMF3SdgFeC Whole House Review Here
Bonus: Top Shower Filters for Iron Removal
No shower filter removes clear-water iron. But some reduce rust, like the Aquasana AQ-4100 which combines coconut shell carbon with KDF-55 media. The shower water filter also eliminates chlorine (>90%) and other harsh chemicals for softer and more moisturized skin. Filter life: 10,000 gallons of filtered water or 6 months.
You can either use the filter with your own shower head as long as it’s standard-sized, or opt for Aquasana’s massaging head. There’s also a massaging handheld version.
If you don’t have enough space to accommodate the Aquasana AQ-4100 check out the Shower Pure 7 filtered shower head or this universal high-output model if you’re looking for an inline shower water filter.
Our Favorite Water Softeners to Take Care of Iron in Well Water
#1 Water Softener for Iron Up to 3 ppm: SpringWell
In our opinion, the number one water softener for well water with iron in 2020 is the SpringWell. It can handle ferrous iron levels up to 3 ppm, and manganese and hydrogen sulfide up to 1 ppm. The system is available in three different sizes, for homes with 1-3 bathrooms, 4-6 bathrooms, or 7+ bathrooms.
Whichever system you go for, you’ll get the perfect solution to your iron water contamination problem. And your water will be nice and soft, too, with little to no limescale buildup in your plumbing, fixtures, and appliances for an increased lifespan and efficiency as well as reduced maintenance. Softer skin and hair are nice side effects.
Bottom line: Our go-to water softener. 5 stars!
SpringWell Whole House Water Softener | |
| Price: | $$$ |
| System Type: | Water Softener |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferrous |
| Max Iron Level: | 3 ppm |
| Warranty: | Lifetime |
Our Rating | |
Pros
- Grain capacities range from 32,000 to 80,000. Choose the system size and flow rate – ranges from 11 all the way up to 20 gallons per minute – which fits your home best.
- SpringWell SS1 provides 11 gpm (32,000 grains) for homes with up to 3 bathrooms.
- SpringWell SS4 is rated at 13 gpm (48,000 grains) for up to 6 bathrooms.
- SS+ has 20 gpm service flow (80,000 grains) for houses with 7 or more bathrooms.
- Uses chlorine-resistant 10% crosslink resin. Lasts up to twice as long as standard 8% crosslink resin when used on chlorinated water supply.
- Bluetooth app-driven head valve allows for easy programming and control. Install Legacy View app on your Android or iOS device to quickly configure the water softener.
- You can also view water usage information etc.
- You can still do the programming on the control head itself if you want.
- Metered on-demand regeneration + Vortech mineral tank save salt and water.
- Neoprene tank jacket provides protection and insulation.
- Water softeners are relatively easy to install thanks to detailed instructions (handbook + video), SpringWell’s technical support team, and built-in bypass.
- Covered by 6-month risk-free satisfaction guarantee + lifetime warranty.
- A+ customer service.
Cons
- Costs more than the average water softener.
→ Read Our Full SpringWell Water Softener Review Here
Water Softener System for Iron Up to 15 ppm: Fleck 5600SXT with SST-60 Resin
For water with iron concentrations above 3 ppm we recommend the Fleck 5600SXT with SST-60 resin. According to our research, the special resin can handle ferrous iron concentrations of up to 15 ppm depending on the application.
Fleck 5600SXT Whole House Iron Water Softener | |
| Price: | $$ |
| System Type: | Water Softener |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferrous |
| Max Iron Level: | Up to 15 ppm |
| Warranty: | 5 Years & 10 Years |
Our Rating | |
Pros
- High-efficiency resin saves water and salt during regen – as much as 40% says Quality Water Treatment.
- Choose from a range of grain capacities: 24,000 to 64,000 grains. Flow rate? 7 to 15 gallons of water per minute so choose whichever system size suits you best (40,000-48,000 grains makes sense for most people).
- Simple installation: Pre-loaded + pre-programmed shipping, built-in bypass, and free 3/4″ stainless steel quick connect hoses.
- 5 years warranty on Fleck valve and 10 years on mineral tank and brine tank.
Cons
- Downflow system design uses more water and salt for regeneration.
Treating Iron Bacteria in Well Water + Best Iron Bacteria Filter
Iron bacteria are a group of organisms naturally occurring in shallow soils and groundwater. They live on iron and can enter a well and other water supply systems during their constructions or repair.
Iron bacteria convert ferrous to ferric leaving slimy deposits in form of a red or brown biofilm. The slime not only causes clogging, it’s also the best indication for a potential bacteria infestation. Clumps that break away from these deposits produce iron laden water which is likely to cause staining.
Is Iron Bacteria Harmful to Drink?
The good news is, iron bacteria are not harmful to humans, however, they can make an iron problem much worse.
How to Get Rid of Iron Bacteria in Tap Water or Well Water
First of all, iron bacteria can only be identified with absolute certainty by microscopic examination.
Then, physical, chemical, or thermal water treatment can be used to eliminate them. The most common method is shock chlorination, a process that’s also used in swimming pools. However, shock chlorination won’t resolve an iron bacteria infestation permanently. But it helps to control it. Thus shock chlorination should be carried out periodically, like twice per year (i.e. once in spring and once in fall). This will extend the lifespan of your water treatment equipment and minimize maintenance requirements.
Our #1 Iron Bacteria Filter: Pelican WF4/WF8 + Retention Tank
If shock chlorination is not possible for whatever reason we recommend you check out the Pelican WF4 or WF8. Both are specialized iron and manganese water filters, one for smaller and one for larger homes. Paired with the Pelican RT-1248 retention tank (if you follow the link the tank is listed under “Chemical Feed Accessories”) they’ll solve your iron bacteria problem for good.
The retention tank goes in after the systems’ injector pump but before the iron filter and allows for an increased contact time between the water and the injected bleach. Bleach? Yes, it kills iron bacteria. And it oxidizes iron, manganese, and sulfur in water very effectively. All of which will be trapped in the next filter stage (Greensand Plus). Any excessive chlorine (bleach) and other chemicals will be removed in the final filter stage.
Pelican WF4 Iron & Manganese Water Filter + RT-1248 Retention Tank | |
| Price: | $$$$ |
| System Type: | Bleach Oxidation + Greensand Plus + Carbon |
| Iron Type(s): | Ferrous + Ferric + Iron Bacteria |
| Max Iron Level: | Highest |
| Warranty: | 7 Years & Lifetime |
Our Rating | |
All Systems Compared
| System | Size | Contaminants |
|---|---|---|
| SpringWell WS4 Whole House | Ø13" x 64" | Media Filters Iron, Manganese, Sulfur Odor |
| Crystal Quest Iron | Different Systems | Media Filters Iron, Manganese, Sulfur Odor, Sediment, Chemicals + Other Contaminants |
| Home Master HMF3SdgFeC | 25" x 24" x 9" | Filters Iron, Manganese, Sulfur, Sediment, Chemicals, Bad Taste and Odor |
| SpringWell Water Softeners | Different Systems | Remove Ferrous, Calcium and Magnesium (Hardness) |
| Fleck 5600SXT | Different Systems | Remove Ferrous, Calcium, Magnesium (Hardness) |
| Pelican WF4 + RT-1248 | 62.5" x 37" x 23.5" | Media Filters Bacterial Iron, Manganese, Sulfur, Sediment |
How You Can Remove Iron From Well Water DIY
There’s different treatment equipment that can help you get rid of iron in well water and other water sources. The best approach to tackle a contamination issue looks like this:
- Have your water tested. Turns out the best way to remove iron from well water depends on your water conditions. First and foremost, you need to know what type(s) of iron you’re facing. There is ferrous, ferric, and organic iron. In addition, you should test your water for manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and iron bacteria. Lastly, determine water pH, water temperature, and water alkalinity as well as dissolved oxygen content.
- Choose an iron treatment method and system tailored to your situation.
- Have the equipment installed in your home. You can do this yourself if you have the necessary skills and save money, or call a professional.
- Re-test your water. You want to make sure that your iron removal system works as intended. So test the well water one more time after everything is set up. Insufficient removal is usually due to having selected the wrong treatment method or equipment. Also, it’s essential that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in regards to maximum iron levels that can be handled, required water flow and backwash rates, and any other application limitations.
- Maintain the equipment properly. Chances are you just spent a couple of hundred or thousand dollars on your new iron removal system. Make sure to keep it in good shape so that it’ll continue to operate smoothly.
Daniel Case [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Ferrous vs. Ferric (Rust)
For optimum treatment, it’s important that you distinguish between soluble clear-water iron, or “ferrous”, and insoluble red-water iron, also called “ferric” but commonly known as rust. Then there is organic iron and bacterial iron.
- Ferrous (Fe2+) – Ferrous iron may be contained in anaerobic groundwater at levels of up to several parts per million without causing turbidity or discoloration when directly pumped from a well. The water comes out of the faucet still clear and will only start to turn red after standing for a while being exposed to oxygen in the air. Thus the name clear-water iron.
- Ferric (Fe3+) – Ferric is contained in oxygen-rich water sources. The water already has a reddish or yellowish color when drawn from the tap. Because ferric iron is insoluble and gelatinous, it’s also what causes clogging in your plumbing system and home appliances.
- Organic iron – Organic iron occurs in shallow wells and those affected by surface water. The iron has formed compounds with naturally occurring acids and other organic matter. These compounds are usually heavily colored and can cause severe staining. When it comes to treating water containing organic iron, the problem is that the compounds are very stable and the iron is not free to react.
- Bacterial iron – The term refers to water containing iron bacteria.
Removing Clear-Water Iron
Using a Water Softener
Does a water softener remove iron? Yes, ferrous can be removed in an ion exchange process with the help of a water softener. It’s a commonly used method which usually delivers good results for concentrations of up to 3 (5) ppm or mg/L. For more information, read the manufacturer specifications.
Of course, the actual purpose of a water softener is to remove hardness minerals – think calcium and magnesium. This is why a salt-based water softener adds sodium or potassium to your water.
What’s more, chances are the iron will plug and foul the resin bed as time goes by. Thus the resin must be checked regularly. Also, consider using Iron-Out™ or another chemical remover. A water softener that is badly fouled is difficult to clean, which is why replacing the entire bed might be the better option.
The Role of Water pH
If water pH levels are too high a water softener will not perform up to its potential. This is because ferrous converts to ferric more quickly in alkaline water. At the same time, low water pH levels can prolong a water softener’s resin bed life. And so can longer backwashes and more frequent regenerations with high saltings as it delays fouling.
When NOT to Use a Water Softener
If you struggle with clear-water plus red-water iron, organic iron, or iron bacteria, or the concentration of ferrous exceeds 5 ppm, a regular water softener should not be applied. Some of the compounds may simply pass through the system totally unaffected and/or lead to clogging and rapid fouling of the resin bed. The latter will also gradually reduce hardness removal capacities.
Using an Iron Filter
For higher amounts of clear-water iron, about 7 to 15 parts per million, it’s recommended to use specialized iron filters. They are widely used for their versatility of oxidizing filter media, for example greensand, Birm, and Pro-OX.
As soon as water passes through the media any soluble ferrous oxidizes into the ferric state. Thereby it becomes insoluble and gets trapped.
Depending on the condition of the water and the filter media, pre-oxidation may be required to reach adequate dissolved oxygen levels. The oxygen acts as a catalyst. Methods for pre-oxidation are aeration and the injection of chlorine, ozone, or peroxide among other oxidizers. For aeration, an air pump or inductor can be used.
Ozone is a very powerful disinfectant and, unlike chlorine, it won’t add a chemical taste or odor to your water (and no disinfectant byproducts).
Just like water softeners, iron filters require periodic backwashing to clean out the precipitated rust that has accumulated in the media bed. This in turn requires sufficient water flow. The flushing also ensures that no bacteria can grow inside the system, so it’s essential for water safety. Every once in a while, some types of filter media also need to regenerate to retain their oxidizing and adsorption capabilities.
By the way, insufficient backwash and regeneration are the two most common reasons for iron filters to fail.
The Role of Water pH
The ideal water pH value for iron filters to work effectively is between 7 and 8.5. Anything lower than that and you have to expect unsatisfactory results. Furthermore, the entire water filtration system could get damaged. A water pH value of at least 8.0 will increase the filtration effectiveness significantly.
When Not to Use an Iron Filter
Iron filters should not be used when organic matter is present. And they don’t kill iron bacteria!
Using an Oxidizing Agent + Water Filter
Ferrous in concentrations of 10 ppm and more can be handled with great effectiveness using a chemical agent for oxidation in combination with a filter stage.
A pump can be used to add the oxidizing agent to the feed water. The solution then needs to sit in a retention tank (in most homes that can be the pressure tank) for long enough to allow the chemical reaction to happen and iron to precipitate out. A good starting point is 20 minutes. Lastly, filter media such as manganese greensand or activated carbon can be used for the actual removal.
Examples for oxidizing chemicals include hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, sodium/calcium hypochlorite, and potassium permanganate. Chlorine and hypochlorite will also act as a disinfectant and kill iron bacteria which is great. On the downside, excess chlorine can make your water taste and smell unpleasant and also form dangerous disinfectant byproducts. This is why, when choosing chlorine or hypochlorite for oxidation, it’s recommended that you pair it with an activated or catalytic carbon water filter. You can learn more about chlorine removal here.
Using an Air Injector + Water Filter (Cheapest Way to Remove Iron from Well Water)
Oxidation can also be achieved by aeration. An air injector uses the oxygen in the air to convert ferrous to ferric iron. The particles are then strained out by a water filter. According to various sources, levels of 30 ppm and more can be treated with this method. It’s also probably the cheapest way to remove iron from well water. And if you wonder how to remove iron from water naturally, this is it.
The only problem with air injection is that air is only about 20% oxygen. So chances are that not all iron will oxidize. As a result, it forms sludge which can plug the water filter and the eductor that is part of the injector.
The Removal of Red-Water Iron
As stated above, ferric iron can be removed by mechanical filtration, a rust water purifier so to speak. Concentrations of 15 ppm and more are easily manageable.
Removing Organic Iron from Water
Organic iron treatment can be particularly challenging. The compounds may slow down or prevent oxidation entirely so that water softeners, specialized iron filters, and aeration systems don’t work. For most people, the best option is probably chemical oxidation in combination with a mechanical water filter.
If some of the iron exists in colloidal form, it’s even harder to get by due to its smaller size. To solve the problem, it might be necessary to add a coagulant to your water which will glue the particles together, making them larger in size and therefore easier to remove.
Filter Media
As with the selection of a water filter or water softener itself, it’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to the choosing the best filter media. Each type has its pros and cons…
Greensand
- Water pH: 6.8 to 8.8
- Iron levels: Up to 15 parts per million
- Water should not contain tannins
Greensand is the most commonly used chemical oxidant in iron filters. It has proven itself over the years, has relatively high removal capacities, and can operate at high water flow rates requiring only moderate backwash.
Coated with manganese oxide, sometimes called manganese greensand, it oxidizes iron in water as soon as it comes in contact with it. Greensand is also effective at oxidizing hydrogen sulfide and manganese.
An alternative to “regular” greensand is synthetic greensand, a granular mineral with a manganese dioxide coating. The benefits that synthetic greensand has over regular greensand is that it’s
- much lighter
- and it requires less frequent backwash.
Birm
- Water pH: 7.0 to 9.0
- Iron levels: Up to 15 ppm
- Water should not contain chlorine (otherwise use greensand)
Birm can be used to reduce iron and manganese levels in water, but it has no effect on hydrogen sulfide. It uses dissolved oxygen in the water as a catalyst and in some cases requires pre-oxidation if dissolved oxygen content is too low.
Advantages of Birm filters: They are easy to maintain, long-lasting, and don’t require any salt or chemicals.
Manganese Dioxide
Manganese dioxide removes iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Just like Birm, it requires enough dissolved oxygen in water for optimum performance.
More on Iron Filtration
Frequently Asked Questions (Filtration FAQ)
- Does reverse osmosis remove iron?
A reverse osmosis purification system can be used to remove low levels of iron, manganese, and other (heavy) metals as well as salts. If a test has shown that your water also contains other potentially harmful contaminants, reverse osmosis is a great solution for treatment.
However, all professionals in the field agree that reverse osmosis requires thorough pre-treatment when used on well water. Otherwise, the RO membrane will clog almost immediately. So if you are on a well consider pairing an RO system with a whole house water filter. - Place iron filter before or after water softener?
When using an iron filter together with a water softener, always install the filter before the water softener. This will greatly increase the water softener’s lifespan. - How to remove iron from well water NATURALLY?
If anything, air injection in combination with a filter stage is how you can remove iron from well water naturally. Learn more here. - How to remove iron from drinking water?
Removing iron from drinking water works exactly the same as treating well water or any other water source: First, conduct a test to find out what iron form your water contains and how much of it. Then, choose a suitable treatment method. - Does Brita remove iron?
No, a Brita pitcher or any other Brita filter does not help with iron reduction.
I hope this list of the best iron filters and our guide about iron removal was helpful. Questions? Ask away!
And don’t forget to come back from time to time. We’ll add new iron water filter reviews occasionally.
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Want cleaner, safer and healthier water?
Sign up to join 1,000+ subscribers and get notified about new BOS guides & checklists as well as exclusive product sales and discount codes.