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Iron bacteria are a strange microorganism, but they are a widespread problem in well water systems around the world. If your home has private well water, you may notice orange or red slimy stains staining your toilet bowl, equipment, or even your well casing. Your water may also have a metallic odor, similar to a swamp smell, indicating a problem with iron bacteria.

Iron bacteria do not directly cause health problems, but their presence can damage pipes, produce a foul-smelling slime, and lead to pipe buildup. One of the best and least expensive options for combating iron bacteria is the use of chlorine (such as chlorine tablets, chlorine pellets , and trichloro form powder ). In this article, we will explain in detail why and how much chlorine is needed to destroy iron bacteria in your well. Specifics will be examined regarding shock chlorination and maintenance chlorination, as well as a discussion of chlorine, chlorine tablets , and best practices for ongoing maintenance of your well. After reading this article, you will have an overview of the actions that need to be taken to eliminate iron bacteria from your water supply and keep your well in optimal working condition.

2. Understanding iron bacteria

2.1 What are iro bacteria?

Iron bacteria are naturally found in microorganisms that live in soil, shallow groundwater, and near-surface water. Unlike pathogenic bacteria, these microorganisms obtain energy by oxidizing dissolved iron (sometimes even manganese) wherever there is an oxygen source. Wherever there is an oxidation source, these microorganisms metabolize and convert dissolved iron in water (ferrous iron) into ferrous iron (solid “rust”). These microorganisms produce a sticky, rust-colored slime that accumulates on well casings, pipes, and household appliances.

2.2 How do iron bacteria enter the well system?

Iron bacteria are most often introduced into the well system during drilling, when pumps are installed, or during maintenance, when tools or pipes come into contact with contaminated soil or water. Poor construction and the use of water pumped from contaminated surface sources when drilling wells can also create iron bacteria. In some cases, water infested with these microorganisms can seep through sealed wells.

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2.3 General symptoms

The presence of iron bacteria tends to announce its presence in different ways:

• Rust or orange stains : Stains in toilets, latrines, and bathtubs that are difficult to clean.

• Mucus accumulation : A sticky, jelly-like deposit in toilet bowls, septic tanks, and parts of water wells.

• Bad odor : The smell of swamps, sewage, and musty odors, which can sometimes smell like the smell of rotting vegetables.

• Abnormally colored water : Red, orange, and brown colors in water that do not change color even after being filtered.

If you suspect iron bacteria, a simple observation test can be performed: have your water tested in a laboratory or have your well inspected by a licensed well contractor.

3. Risks and consequences of iron bacteria

3.1 Water supply and pipe systems

Iron bacteria can build up a thick, rust-colored deposit in pipes, well grates, and plumbing systems. Over time, the deposit blocks water flow, reducing the volume in your well and lowering the water pressure in your home. This can be frustrating during peak water usage times, like morning showers or multiple loads of laundry.

3.2 Possibility of corrosion

Iron bacteria can consume dissolved iron and turn it into rust, and can create an acidic environment. Over time, these microenvironments can corrode the metal components in your well system, pumps, and plumbing equipment. A rusted well and/or pump housing can be an expensive repair and/or replacement job.

3.3 Contamination

Iron bacteria can promote a healthy environment for other species of microorganisms, including coliform bacteria and sulfur bacteria. The presence of iron bacteria doesn't necessarily mean that coliform bacteria or other pathogenic bacteria are living in your water, but it can increase the likelihood that these bacteria will be present, creating a favorable environment for other organisms.

4. Why is it necessary to treat iron bacteria with chlorine?

4.1 How does it work?

Chlorine is a disinfectant used in water treatment systems worldwide. It acts by inactivating and destroying bacteria through its ability to penetrate the bacterial cell wall and inactivate the bacteria's metabolic processes. When chlorine is used in the right concentrations and for the right contact time, it can easily destroy many bacteria in groundwater.

4.2 Types of Chlorine

There are three common types of chlorine commonly used in water purification:

• Household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) : Available in many grocery stores, but sometimes contains additives that are not safe for use in drinking water.

• Swimming pool chlorine (sodium hypochlorite 10-12%) : High purity form used in swimming pools, free from many additives found in washing machine bleach.

• Chlorine tablets (calcium hypochlorite) : Tablet form, sometimes NSF certified, can be dissolved in water to produce free chlorine. Chlorine tablets are convenient to store, measure, and transport and are a favorite among homeowners and professionals alike.

4.3 Limitations of chlorine and the need for correct dosage

Chlorine's effectiveness can be somewhat reduced when it comes into contact with iron, manganese, organic matter, or other water impurities, reducing its effectiveness. This means you'll need to use higher doses and possibly multiple treatments to completely remove the iron bacteria. Iron bacteria also have protective mucus, so you'll need to mechanically remove at least some of this mucus for the chlorine to work effectively.

5. The amount of chlorine you need

5.1 Influencing factors

• Well depth and water volume : The deeper the well or the larger the storage tank, the more chlorine you will need.

• Contamination Level : In cases where iron bacteria are present, for “shock” treatment to be successful, you will need to use additional concentrated chlorine in your treatment.

• Water Chemistry : Dissolving iron, manganese, and high concentrations of organic matter will burn off your chlorine, requiring a higher dosage.

• Temperature and contact time : Water temperature and contact time between chlorine and bacteria both affect the disinfection efficiency.

5.2 Shock chlorination and maintenance

• Chlorine shock : Use concentrated chlorine (50 to 200 parts per million or more) to destroy bacteria in highly contaminated wells and in new wells. Typically, the water is soaked in concentrated hypochlorite for 12–24 hours, then flushed with water.

• Maintenance : This involves adding appropriate amounts of chlorine to maintain a consistent residual level of approximately 1–2 ppm to maintain reduced bacterial growth after the initial “shock” treatment.

For iron bacteria, most experts use 50 to 100 ppm, and in cases of severe bacterial overgrowth, use 200 ppm. If you are using chlorine tablets for shock treatment, use an approved dosage table or consult a professional.

5.3 Specifications and Charts

The commercial standard is a ratio of 1:1,000 (5.25 gallons of 1% bleach per 1,000 gallons of water) for use in high chlorine applications, and approximately 50 ppm for iron bacteria or highly contaminated wells. In severe cases, use 200 ppm. In the case of chlorine tablets, dosages are based on measurements. Check the product label and confirm that your product has been tested by NSF for use in drinking water.