Understanding
Clear Water Iron
A Complete Guide
Clear water iron is a sneaky form of iron contamination that’s invisible when water first comes out of the tap, yet it can cause stubborn staining and damage over time. Common in private wells, this dissolved iron oxidizes when exposed to air, leaving orange or rust-coloured marks on sinks, tubs, and laundry. With the right treatment system, you can stop stains at the source and protect your water supply.
EWU Training Guide
What Is Clear Water Iron
And How Do You Treat It?
Clear water iron, or ferrous iron, is a dissolved form of iron commonly found in well water. It’s invisible at first—giving the impression that your water is clean—but once it oxidizes, it causes unsightly orange or reddish stains on sinks, toilets, laundry, and dishware. If left untreated, it can also clog pipes, reduce water pressure, and shorten the lifespan of appliances.
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This video guide explains how clear water iron enters your water supply, how to identify it through staining or testing, and what treatment options are most effective. Whether you’re seeing mysterious rust marks or just want to prevent future buildup, this guide walks you through how EcoWater filtration systems can help.
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Here’s what you’ll learn about:
- The basics of Iron and how it gets into our water
- How to identify clear water iron
- Proper ways to treat clear water iron
Key Takeaways About Clear Water Iron & Treatment
Clear water iron is one of the most common forms of iron found in residential water supplies, especially in well systems. While it may be invisible at first, it can lead to noticeable staining and buildup throughout your home. Fortunately, most cases of clear water iron can be effectively treated with a quality water softener. To enhance performance and extend the life of your softener, a reducing agent can be added to help manage higher iron concentrations. It’s also important to consider your water’s pH level when choosing a treatment method, as pH directly influences how iron behaves and how efficiently it can be removed through filtration or softening.
- Clear water iron is one of the most common iron types
- Water softeners treat most clear water iron issues
- Reducing agents help extend softener lifespan
- pH level impacts the best treatment method
Water Softeners
Why Choose 

Nelson Water?
Nelson Water has been a trusted leader in the water treatment industry for over three decades. We are committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. Our extensive experience and dedication to quality ensure that your water treatment needs are met with expertise and reliability, making us the premier choice for water solutions in your area.