The removal of iron from water: public water supplies

Iron, which is naturally present in rock and soil, is easily dissolved in water. As a result of this, water sourced from boreholes, otherwise known as groundwater, can have excess iron present and affect water quality.

There are many different methods available for the removal of iron from water.

The challenges of removing iron from water

When groundwater contains oxidised iron, it takes on a brownish colour. However, it commonly exists as dissolved ferrous compounds, and in this state, the presence of iron does not colour the water.

To begin the removal of iron from water, it is usually necessary to oxidise the ferrous iron by means of an aeration process, followed by a water filtration stage.

When iron is present, combined with organic matter and in a stable form, the removal process typically involves coagulation. A strong oxidising agent, such as chlorine, will also be required for this process. However, this presents a further challenge with the need to remove chlorine prior to public supply.

Removing iron from a public water supply

With a variety of methods suiting different scenarios, it may be difficult to establish the best solution for a given project. You need to consider the cost of initial set-up, ongoing operational costs, and the specific demands and uses of each site.

For example, a borehole or well might produce good quality water on a normal day-to-day basis. However, there might be instances where variations, due to pumps starting and stopping, and variations in flow rates could bring up iron from the ground and reduce the water quality. Cases like this require a bespoke, on-demand solution. 

Amazon Filters helps to reduce costs by providing expertise in water filtration solution development, in-house bespoke manufacturing, and direct filter supply.

Amazon Filters’ R31 filtration solution

If removal of iron from water is required, Amazon Filters have designed a filtration solution that is DWI R31 compliant.

Our SupaSpun II filters are specifically designed for the removal of iron from water. They can be used in the filtration of ferric state iron, and we can support on-site trials using different filters to establish the most cost-effective and long-lasting filters for purpose.

In these instances, we work alongside the site team to monitor the filtration process and water quality to develop the best solution.

Amazon Filters’ SupaSpun II filters have been trialed and tested for the effective removal of iron from borehole water destined for public drinking water supply. The SupaSpun II filters have proved highly effective for daily demand of 20 MLD (millions of litres per day, with reference to municipal water), and up to 68 MLD during emergency water supply.

Other benefits of using Amazon Filters’ SupaSpun II filtration solutions for drinking water include:

• Fast availability with quick installation times (skids are delivered ready to go). If Media Beds are being looked into these can have very long lead times and cost around ten times as much as Amazon Filters’ cartridge solution.
• Filter cartridges do not require flushing prior to use and can therefore be brought into full service as soon as they are installed.
• The filtration system can be run intermittently or when water quality issues arise, resulting in an increase in the life of the filters.
• Amazon Filters offers onsite support and collaboration to derive the best out of the filters.

We help you stay Regulation 31 compliant

Regulation 31 requires that products used in the production of potable water for public supply must be listed on the Secretary of State’s list of approved products, and Amazon Filters’ R31 SupaSpun II filters are on this list. 

With years of experience in providing water filtration solutions, we also offer flexibility and onsite assistance, alongside support for contractors and water companies to establish the optimum running and most cost-effective solution for your requirements.