How Can You Test if Iron Bacteria is in Your Water?

You might suspect that your water has been contaminated with iron bacteria but are unsure of how to confirm this. Luckily, there are quite a few easy ways to tell if your water has iron bacteria in it—no fancy chemical kits or laboratory tests required! 

• Leave a Cup of Water to Sit Overnight 

Any homeowner can test to see if their plumbing has an iron bacteria problem. First, you need to ensure that you do not use your pipes for some time. This allows them to settle and “flush out” so you can get the best result. 

Then simply fill a cup with water from your tap to sit on your counter overnight. Watch out for any discoloration or sediments settling in the bottom of the glass. If you do notice any sediment, pay attention to its appearance. Iron ochre will have a reddish, fluffy texture to it, making it look somewhat like stray cotton fibers. This is when you will know that you have excess amounts of iron bacteria in your plumbing. 

• Look Out for an Oily or Oddly Colored Sheen in Your Water 

If your iron bacteria problem has grown to the point where iron ochre has infiltrated your plumbing, then you might notice that your tap water has a strange oily sheen to it. It may also take on a rainbow-colored hue that can be quite unappealing to look at and drink. 

You may also immediately notice red, orange, brown, or yellow discoloration to your tap water after pouring it from your faucet. This discoloration is directly the result of the rust color of the iron ochre washing out into your water system.