Where the iron comes from
The soils around Asaba and much of Delta are rich in iron. Groundwater picks it up in dissolved form, so water from a borehole often looks perfectly clear when it leaves the pump. Once it meets air in your tank, the iron oxidises and turns orange, settling on tiles, sinks and clothes.
What it does
- Orange or brown stains on tiles, toilets and white clothes
- A metallic taste in drinks and food
- Slime in tanks and pipes as iron bacteria grow
- Blocked shower heads and heater elements over time
The honest fix
First, test. Iron above about 0.3 mg/L is worth treating; the borehole full profile also shows manganese and hardness, which change the design. For most homes an oxidising iron filter with a carbon stage is enough. Sediment cartridges alone do not remove dissolved iron.
What to avoid
Be careful with systems sold without a test, and with chemical dosing done by guesswork. Retest three weeks after installation; the numbers should show the iron gone.
Questions
Is iron harmful to drink?
At the levels found in most boreholes it is mainly a taste and staining problem. For health questions, ask a doctor.
Can I remove stains already there?
Yes, with a mild acid cleaner. They will come back until the iron is treated.