Iron typically manifests itself in water as a yellow or orange colour. Stains may appear on laundry or on plumbing fixtures. The water may also have a bitter taste.
Very low levels of iron can be treated through the use of a water softener. Normally, however, a greensand filter is the best treatment for moderate iron problems. At very high concentrations, iron problems are most often linked to biofouling of the well. In many cases, treating the biofouling is a far more effective way to deal with such an iron problem than attempting to remove the iron itself.