3 Months of Iron in the Water... and Motivating Our Neighbors!

When rainwater infiltrates the soil, it dissolves iron, causing it to seep into aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater for wells. We're not on a well, we're on a city water source, so 3 months ago, when a water main leak was repaired our water started turning yellow. When iron comes in contact with oxygen, it changes to a reddish compound that can discolor bathroom fixtures and laundry.

Although present in drinking water, iron is seldom found at concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 10 parts per million. Our iron levels were tested in tap water and they're at 0.3 mg/liter, which can cause water to turn a yellowish or reddish brown color. Our water has had a yellow tint to it since July when the water main at the end of our street was "repaired."

We have both emailed and called City Hall since the problem began and informed the water department that we believe the water main wasn't repaired correctly. We were told to check out hot water heater. We told them that the yellow water was coming out of hot and cold taps, sinks, toilets, showers, everywhere... so it's not the hot water heater! We checked with neighbors and they had the same problem- only on our street. 

What iron in the water looks like

SO -why did City Hall think only we had a problem? We were the ONLY ONES on the entire street that called! SO, in the beginning of August, when I (Rob) got the cell phone number of the Water Quality Supervisor (and sent him photos of the yellow water over the 3 weeks preceding), I finally wrote notes for every neighbor on the street with his phone number! I knocked on all the doors and told them all to call. They did! THEN we got action. We got water quality tests, and checks for leaks. Still yellow water.

This week, we received a letter from City Hall that said they've rented a piece of equipment with sonar of some sort, that will detect leaks. They've already found one and they just started. Hopefully, they'll fix this problem. The lesson: When you think that someone is working to solve a problem and you don't call or check on it yourself: They're not. Be assertive. Check it out. Motivate others and you'll get action!  We'll keep you posted!