Rust in the water

The yellow tint and astringent metallic taste of water, rusty spots on plumbing, plaque on pots and in the kettle are all “symptoms” of iron in water. Drinking ferruginous water is not very pleasant, not to mention the fact that rust “tints” clothes during washing, leaves stains on plumbing and settles on the inner walls of household appliances, which shortens its service life.

Where does it come from: the causes of rust in the water

Water may initially be rusty if the natural reservoir from which it is pumped is rich in iron compounds. But basically, of course, rust is “inherited” from old pipes through which water enters houses.

One of the main components in the materials from which pipes are made is, in fact, iron. In a humid environment, it reacts with oxygen, forming iron hydroxide: corrosion of metal compounds occurs.

Permissible iron content in water is 0.2 mg/l. But often laboratory tests show an excess of this indicator.

Types of rust and types of filters to eliminate it
The choice of a rust filter depends on its concentration, the goals of water treatment (obtaining drinking or industrial water), financial capabilities, regional characteristics and other factors.

Types of rust

1. Large insoluble particles
Rust flakes are visible to the naked eye: because of them, the water acquires a yellowish, reddish or brown tint. This is not the kind of rainbow you want to see. The good news is that almost any filter under the sink can get rid of it. If there is too much rust and other mechanical impurities, it is also reasonable to install a main filter - it will become a reliable shield for the whole house, pre-purifying all incoming water.

2. Dissolved (ferrous) iron
By itself, dissolved iron is colorless, the water containing it is deceptively transparent. However, as iron oxidizes, it first turns yellow, and then acquires a precipitate. Either reverse osmosis filters or special high-performance iron removal systems will help get rid of dissolved iron.

3. Colloidal (trivalent) iron
Colloidal iron is the smallest (less than 1 micron) insoluble particles that are in water in the form of a suspension, are distributed throughout its volume and do not want to precipitate. They are completely removed by reverse osmosis, and partially by sorption systems.

Learn more about filter types

Mechanical main filters with a polypropylene module for pre-treatment of cold and hot water in the whole apartment or the whole house. They well remove coarse impurities, extraneous shades and odors from it. Such filters work on the principle of a sieve, filtering out undissolved particles larger than the pores of the filter material. It turns out water that does not spoil household appliances and plumbing.

Sorption filters (main or kitchen for installation under the sink) remove impurities - both dissolved and undissolved - due to sorption with activated carbon and a special patented microfiber. Granules of ion-exchange resin in the composition of the mixture help to eliminate hardness salts, which also include iron salts (albeit to a lesser extent than calcium and magnesium).

Hollow fiber filters

Detain not only rust and a whole range of undissolved particles and dissolved compounds, up to 50% of colloidal iron, but even bacteria - and without chemical reagents. After cleaning, water can be drunk without boiling and baby food can be cooked on it.

Reverse osmosis filters with a special membrane are a universal solution for water purification from all types of iron and 99% of all pollutants existing in water, including those of microbiological origin. In addition, they effectively soften water of any hardness, preventing scale formation.

Iron removal systems for the whole house effectively remove iron (including dissolved iron) from all water entering the house. A productive, compact, environmentally friendly and economical alternative to conventional column systems.