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Case Study: Treating for Complex Iron and Sediment Issues in Orange Well Water

Client

Apex, NC Homeowner

Services

Well water testing, including for ferric and ferrous iron; dual-stage filtration, ultra filtration and twin-tank water softening system installation

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Fixing Discolored Well Water for an Apex, NC Homeowner

A homeowner in Apex, North Carolina called Kinetico® Advanced Water Systems due to high levels of sediment and discoloration in their well water. The water coming into the home was orange, due to significant amounts of iron in the water. We provided extensive water testing, analysis and fine-sediment filtration solutions often unheard of in residential water treatment.

Water Testing

Evaluating Different Types of Iron in the Water

Upon testing, we found that the customer’s water had multiple types of iron, with a total iron level of 3.8 parts per million (ppm).

We ran through a pilot stick test filter which filters down to .002 microns to pull out all the ferric iron oxide particles. The total iron remaining after this step was reduced down to 0.7 ppm. The fraction that passed through the pilot stick is ferrous (Fe2+) (dissolved iron) that can be removed through an ion exchange water softener.

Next, we ran the raw water through a 5-micron test filter. The color was much improved but still not clear and the iron level was at 1.15 ppm. This means the remaining 1.15 ppm of total iron represents the combination of the soluble iron (0.7 ppm) and ultra-fine iron oxide (less than 5 microns) particles.

Premier Series Backwashing Filtration System with Choice of Media

Finding a Solution

Optimized Filtration for Less Waste and Cleaner Water

Our evaluation of the water tests showed that 2.65 ppm of the total iron is ferric iron (Fe3+) above 5 microns in particle size.

Due to the volume of iron above 5 microns, we proposed a Kinetico dual-tank, non-electric, backwashing filtration system that uses a ceramic media to filter out the iron. The system then backwashes itself using filtered water to rinse the media and continue the process.

Importantly, if we had used a standard cartridge filter the customer would have been changing filters constantly and suffering severe pressure drops.

Subtracting the ferrous iron of 0.7 ppm from the residual after the 5-micron test filter shows that there are ultra-fine ferric iron particles remaining at 0.45 ppm. This causes a faint yellow color to the water.

For the ultra-fine particles and to fix color issues in the water, we proposed an ultra filter that filters down to 0.02 microns using polymeric membranes. This system backwashes itself as well, using a stored volume of filtered water.

Results

Clear, Soft Water for the Whole Home

After the two-stage filtration system to deal with the particle size distribution of ferric iron, the water is processed by a Kinetico twin-tank, non-electric water softener to significantly reduce the ferrous iron content and soften the water.

This level of testing and particle size analysis is unheard of in residential water treatment, and is why so many other water treatment companies fail to provide a real solution, especially in these complex circumstances.

Contact Kinetico for Innovative, Cost-Saving Water Filtration

Are you struggling with discolored or cloudy water? At Kinetico Advanced Water Systems, we’re here to solve all of your water needs, from simple to complex, offering industry-leading solutions for both homeowners and businesses.

Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation water test.