Iron Contamination in Tampa Bay Drinking Water: Health Risks and Treatment Solutions
Iron is one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water across Florida, including in Tampa Bay area cities and neighborhoods. While iron itself is not harmful in small amounts, elevated levels can cause discolored water, staining, unpleasant metallic taste and odor. At very high concentrations, iron can promote bacterial growth in pipes and potentially pose health risks.
Presence of Iron in Tampa Bay Drinking Water
Iron occurs naturally in Florida's groundwater due to the geology and soil types. It leaches into the water drawn from wells tapping into the Floridan Aquifer System, which is the main source of drinking water for many communities in the Tampa Bay region. The following areas have been identified with varying levels of iron contamination in their well or city water:
Bay Pines
Belleair Beach
Clearwater
Clearwater Beach
Crystal Beach
Dunedin
Indian Rocks Beach
Largo
Oldsmar
Ozona
Palm Harbor
Pinellas Park
Safety Harbor
Saint Petersburg
Seminole
Tarpon Springs
Aripeka
Crystal Springs
Dade City
Holiday
Hudson
Lacoochee
Land O Lakes
New Port Richey
Port Richey
Saint Leo
San Antonio
Spring Hill
Trilby
Wesley Chapel
Zephyrhills
Apollo Beach
Balm
Brandon
Dover
Durant
Gibsonton
Keystone
Lithia
Lutz
Mango
Odessa
Plant City
Riverview
Ruskin
Seffner
Sun City
Sydney
Tampa
Trinity
Thonotosassa
Valrico
Westchase
Wimauma
Potential Health Effects of Iron in Drinking Water
The EPA has set a secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 0.3 mg/L for iron. Exceeding this limit poses no direct health risks but can lead to nuisance issues like staining, bad taste and odor.
However, very high iron concentrations above 1-2 mg/L may provide conditions for iron bacteria to thrive if oxygen is also present. Iron bacteria are nuisance organisms that form thick slimy colonies in pipes and well equipment, leading to clogs and black discharge.
Certain strains of iron bacteria are also linked with illnesses like Legionnaire’s Disease. Regular shock chlorination of wells and an effective disinfection system like UV can control their growth.
Water Treatment Solutions for Removing Iron
To eliminate iron from your home's water supply, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions offers the following effective and reliable whole house water filtration systems for the Tampa area:
AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter
Uses a powerful catalytic carbon media that oxidizes and filters out iron. Removes up to 10 ppm of ferrous iron. an ideal solution if iron is your only major water problem.
AquaBlue Whole House Filter
Multi-stage filtration system combining oxidizing KDF filter media with coconut shell carbon to reduce iron, hydrogen sulfide, manganese, sediments and other contaminants.
HydroClear Ozone Generator
Advanced ozone injection oxidizes iron, sulfur and manganese. Also kills bacteria and viruses without chemicals. Must be paired with AquaCarbon filter or similar post-filter.
AquaGuard UV Disinfection
UV light destroys disease-causing pathogens like bacteria and viruses. An ideal solution if you have iron bacteria in your well water.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is the most thorough filtration method available. Recommended for removing very high iron concentrations above 2-3 ppm.
We also offer specialized well water treatment systems and commercial water treatment solutions for Tampa businesses impacted by iron fouling.
Learn more about how iron and other hard water contaminants can affect your home's water quality and appliances.
Limited Time Offers from Aqua-Wise
Act now to improve your drinking water quality. We have flexible financing options available upon approved credit.
Schedule your FREE Tampa area water test today by calling 727-236-7161. Our water experts will evaluate your water, recommend the best treatment options, and provide you with a free quote. Get clean, clear water flowing through your home's pipes again.
Sources:
Iron in Drinking Water - US EPA
Florida's Groundwater Quality Monitoring Program - FDEP