What causes iron ochre?
This substance is called iron ochre and is created as a waste byproduct of iron bacteria. This bacteria naturally occurs in environments throughout most of the world. Iron bacteria survives by oxidizing minerals dissolved from water, most commonly from ferrous iron, but also sometimes from manganese.
What causes iron bacteria in water?
When too much iron gets into the water, bacteria can feed off this iron as an energy source, which can cause the bacteria to thrive and the water to turn a reddish-brown color. When ample amounts of iron bacteria get into your water, the water will invariably taste bad and have an odor to it.
Where can I find iron bacteria?
Iron bacteria are small living organisms that naturally occur in soil, shallow groundwater, and surface waters. These bacteria combine iron (or manganese) and oxygen to form deposits of “rust,” bacterial cells, and a slimy material that sticks the bacteria to well pipes, pumps, and plumbing fixtures.
Can iron bacteria make you sick?
Iron May Allow Bacteria to Grow Small particles of iron can host bacteria, some of which are dangerous to humans. Once in your body, these bacteria could spread, making you sick.
Is iron ochre harmful?
While not hazardous to our health, iron ochre in our water can damage drainage systems. It can also give water a metallic taste, smell foul, and cause clogging in pipes.
Does UV kill iron bacteria?
UV is a powerful disinfectant that can kill bacteria, viruses and parasites, provided the water is perfectly clean, low in minerals, and free of iron and sediment. This is why UV systems are often installed after a water softener or filtration system.
What’s the problem with iron ocher in water?
Actually the problem is not really iron ocher. Iron bacteria are microorganisms that use iron ocher as a source of energy. Here’s what basically happens in simple terms: First, one type of these microorganisms has the ability to attach itself to the side of a pump or the inside of a drainage pipe.
Which is the best way to treat iron ochre?
If filter or backfill material is required in suspected iron ochre areas, only coarse rock should be used. Consequently, the only practical solution with this approach is subsoiling. This will only work if the clay content of the soil is above 30% and the soil has a low to medium moisture content. 2. RETARDATION OF CLOGGING IN THE DRAIN
How does iron ocher basement boss prevent infiltration?
However, to prevent infiltration in the basement, the installation of maintenance chimneys have been used to periodically flush the foundation drain system. This approach does not solve the problem, but it has prevented the clogging of the foundation drain system.
How is iron ocher used as a source of energy?
Iron bacteria are microorganisms that use iron ocher as a source of energy. Here’s what basically happens in simple terms: First, one type of these microorganisms has the ability to attach itself to the side of a pump or the inside of a drainage pipe. They do so in order to feed on the nutrients that are flowing along in…
Which is the best iron ochre system for your home?
WaterGuard® IOS® is the ONLY cleanable, flushable iron ochre system of its kind — the ideal solution for a home with iron bacteria in the groundwater! If you’d like to keep your basement dry and free of iron ochre infiltration, call or e-mail us today!
Why is iron ochre not considered a contaminant?
Some homeowners, as well as new buyers, have defended their case in court by arguing that it is inaccurate to consider ferrous ochre (the other name of iron ochre) a contaminant. This is because when the soil is affected by iron ochre, humans are unable to intervene.
What does iron ochre do to a waterproofing system?
The unique design of this system is ideal for a homeowner who would like to waterproof his or her home but has iron ochre present in the flooding waters. Iron bacteria creates a slime that can clog a basement waterproofing system, causing it to cease to function properly.
What does iron ocher mean in a basement?
Iron Bacteria. Iron Bacteria – commonly known as iron ocher, iron algae, or as some basement waterproofing installers call it, red slime or the “red stuff”. Actually the problem is not really iron ocher. Iron bacteria are microorganisms that use iron ocher as a source of energy.
