Iron Test Kits help you to monitor the level of iron in your drinking water. Our 14 in 1 Water Test Kit detects iron levels from 0mg/L to 500mg/L. All parameters are measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L) unless otherwise noted.
Iron in Water
Low levels of iron are found naturally in drinking water and is one of the most abundant minerals on earth. It is also used widely in construction materials and to create pigments.
Iron is essential for humans as its purpose is to carry oxygen through the body so that blood cells can produce energy. It helps the immune function, removes carbon dioxide from the blood, assists with gastrointestinal processes, the immune system and the regulation of body temperature.
Iron Deficiencies
Iron deficiency is often not realised as its symptoms are often mistaken from feeling a little run down, tired or finding it hard to concentrate or motivate your self. If your iron levels get too low for an extended amount of time the most common symptoms of iron deficiency include;
- Fatigue, extremely tired or weak
- Heart palpitations, Irregular or fast heart beat
- Pale skin, brittle nails
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness, light headed
Because these symptoms can also relate to many other conditions, its important that you consult with your doctor.
Iron Health Effects
High levels of iron can be harmful to your body. The average intake based on two liters of water per day is 0.3 milligrams compared with food 5-10 milligrams. Although rare, long-term overdose of iron, 15 grams for a 75kg adult can cause gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.
Symptoms of iron poisoning can include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Long term exposure to high levels of iron will accumulate in internal organs causing fatal damage to the brain and liver.
Detecting Iron in Water
Iron in water will stain fixtures, appliances that use water and surfaces that the water comes in contact with. The stains vary from light yellow to a red or light brown color. Excessive iron in water can also have a metallic or bitter taste accompanied by a smell similar to like cucumber or sewage.
Iron in Drinking Water
Iron is generally added to water as it seeps through the ground, iron in the soil dissolves in to the water. Concentrations of iron in water will vary depending on the concentration of iron in your soil and where the water is located. Iron concentration in rivers has been reported to be at the 0.7 mg/L range compared to water in wells ranges between 0.5 to 10 mg/L but up to 50 mg/L can sometimes be found.
Other sources of iron may may also come from corroded iron or steel pipes or other components of plumbing systems where the acidity of the water, measured as pH, is below 6.5.
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) set out requirements for iron in drinking water. The Guideline / Regulatory Target suggest that < 0.3 mg/L is safe.
Iron Test Kits
Iron test kits can be helpful if you suspect that your water has high levels of iron, or if the water is discoloured or has a metallic taste, a simple to use iron test kit can help you to determine the level of iron in your water. For more information see the 14 in 1 Water Testing Kit
Removing Iron from Drinking Water
If your Iron Test Kits detect high levels of iron, contact your local council, water body or water filter specialists. Iron can be removed from water by using an iron water filters. Depending on how much iron is in your drinking water will determine what kind of an iron water filter you need.
More information on iron and the Guidelines for Drinking Water can be found here: Drinking Water Guidelines.
