What Chemical Neutralizes Iron in Well Water for Gardening?

Filtration

• When well water has heavy concentrations of iron, it will also likely contain manganese and sulfur. Remove these elements from well water with a water-conditioning system that uses sands, gravel and other natural occurring media. Placed in tanks with automatic electric backwashing heads, filtration systems cost less overall and last longer.

Chemical Treatments

• Chemical treatment systems are usually reserved for large water treatment facilities with the means to separate the iron from the rest of the system. Chemical treatment systems are expensive, require professional operation and are beyond the scope of the average homeowner.

Ozonation

• Another treatment for well water involves adding a third molecule of oxygen to water that helps to separate out the iron molecules. This process involves a complicated form of aeration. Licensed professionals must install these and most water-treatment systems. In California, for example, these professionals must be licensed by the state as contractors.