Iron Water Filter
Reviews and Recommendations
by Nancy Hearn, CNC

An iron water filter can improve the look and taste of your water if the concentration of iron in your water is higher than normal.

Iron is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock and soil.  When water filters through surrounding rock, the iron dissolves into the water. Geographic areas that have high iron content in the soil will have higher levels of iron in groundwater.

In general, iron is usually not a problem with municipal water supplies. It is much more common with well water. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, iron in drinking water is not considered a health hazard. But on the other hand, it can’t be that good to drink either.

Excess iron in water usually has a bad taste and can leave a reddish brown stain on dishes, sinks, showers and bathtubs, as well as on laundered clothes. If the iron in the water is insoluble, it can take on a yellow or rusty red color and has a metallic taste in both prepared food and beverages made with the water.

In addition, the iron in water can create scale and form iron deposits in pipes that can cause issues with hot water heaters and block the flow of water into the house or faucets.

And last but not least, if your water also has a “rotten egg” odor, it is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide, which is frequently found in water that is high in iron and manganese. 

Type of Water Filter for Iron Removal

The best way to remove iron from your water supply is to install a whole house water filter at the point of entry to the house. A whole house filter will remove iron from the water before it reaches the water pipes or faucets.

You can get a countertop or under sink drinking water system that will remove iron, but then you would still have the problem of iron deposits throughout the house and stains on dishes and clothing.

Whole house water filters for iron removal can eliminate all of these issues and provide clear, clean, better tasting water throughout your entire home.

Iron Water Filter Recommendations

Iron can be removed to a certain degree with whole house water filter systems that have one or more of the following:  a sediment filter, a carbon filter, and a water softener.

However, the iron will tend to clog these systems quickly, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Thus, multi-stage water filter systems that use a designated filtration media for iron and manganese will be much more effective.

The following are a few of our recommended whole house water systems that include special media for iron filtration.

Crystal Quest Whole House Iron Water Filter Systems

Crystal Quest is our go-to company for specialty water filters.  They can help you customize a water system to meet your unique filtration needs, house size, budget, and other specifications.

The Crystal Quest Iron Water Filter Systems are multi-stage systems that use a designated media for removing iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide. 

Depending on which system you choose and the degree of filtration you want, the other stages may also include a sediment filter, a KDF filter and a GAC filter.   This combination of filtration media will remove a high degree of organic and inorganic contaminants from your water, as well as the excess iron. 

iSpring Whole House Iron Water Filter Systems

iSpring has a gradient three-stage filtration system that removes iron, manganese, sediment, rust, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, industrial solvents, and many other contaminants.

The first stage is a high-capacity sediment filter and the second stage is a high-quality coconut shell carbon block filter. Both are tested by independent third-party and meet NSF/ANSI standards.

The last stage of filtration is the iron and manganese removal filter.

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