It forms iron-laden slime in the well and in plumbing systems. Look for the brownish slimy growth in the toilet tank. Water that is red or that turns red after exposure to air. Reddish-brown stains on plumbing fixtures or laundry. The water softener capacity is reduced.
Water has a metallic flavor.
If you have dark brown or black stains on fixtures, laundry, or in water, it is probably from manganese, another common naturally occurring mineral contaminant in Kansas well water. Follow the same principles described for mineral iron to test and treat the problem. Test for mineral iron and iron bacteria to see if one or both are present. A sample to test for mineral iron may be drawn from any tap that delivers untreated water. Treatment is the solution, depending on the type and amount of mineral iron present.