Iron in Water Iron in the ferric form and manganese stains clothes and plumbing fixtures. Ferrous iron is in the dissolved form and cannot be seen in water. When water containing ferrous iron is exposed to air, the iron oxidizes and rusts. Ferric iron, rusted iron, usually appears as brownish red colored particles floating in the water. Water with a high iron or manganese content is not considered a health problem, but it can be very objectionable in taste, odor or appearance.
Iron bacteria are nuisance organisms often associated with soluble iron in water.
Because they cause a slime buildup they are objectionable. Calcium is an essential nutrient for this bacteria. Shock chlorination must include the well and system. They appear similar to water softeners but contain a bed of natural or synthetic manganese green sand. Manganese dioxide oxidizes iron and manganese and the oxidized particles are then filtered out in the lower part of the bed.