Yellow Well Water in Langley | Iron Staining & Water Testing

Yellow Well Water Raises Concerns for Local Homeowner After Staining Spreads Throughout Home

A South Langley homeowner recently discovered that what began as a slight yellow tint in their well water was actually a sign of a much larger water quality issue, one that was affecting their plumbing, fixtures, and household surfaces.

In a video shared on social media, Joel (homeowner) described noticing discolored water coming from his taps and persistent staining that wouldn’t go away despite regular cleaning.

“The water had a yellow color to it, and we started seeing stains show up in the toilets and around the sinks,” Joel explained.

Over time, the staining became more widespread, affecting toilets, plumbing fixtures, and countertops throughout the home. What initially seemed like a cosmetic nuisance quickly raised concerns about what was actually in the water.

Testing Reveals Iron as the Source of Yellow Well Water

After contacting EDS Pumps and Water Treatment for water testing, Joel learned that a specific form of iron in the well water was responsible for both the yellow well water and the staining.

According to experts, iron is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in groundwater, particularly in areas with shallow aquifers or iron-rich soil. Certain forms of iron can cause water to appear yellow, orange, or rusty, especially when exposed to air.

“Once the iron in the water becomes oxidized, it changes the colour of the water,” said Glen, manager at EDS Pumps & Water Treatment.

Why Some Types of Iron Turn Water Yellow

Not all iron behaves the same way in water systems. The type present determines how visible the problem becomes and how damaging it can be.

• Ferrous iron, often called dissolved iron, may appear clear when first drawn from the tap but turns yellow or orange after exposure to oxygen.
• Ferric iron, or oxidized iron, is visible immediately and is a major contributor to surface staining.
• Iron bacteria can worsen the issue by feeding on iron, leaving behind slimy residue and accelerating staining and plumbing buildup.

“Once the water was tested, it became clear that iron was causing the discoloration we were seeing,” Joel said in the video. These forms of iron are especially problematic in well systems, where water is untreated before entering the home.

Staining Is Only the Beginning

While yellow well water is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, iron can cause long-term damage inside the home.

Iron-rich water can:

• Permanently stain toilets, sinks, tubs, and countertops
• Damage plumbing fixtures and finishes
• Build up inside pipes, reducing water flow
• Shorten the lifespan of appliances like water heaters and washing machines

“No matter how much we cleaned, the stains kept coming back,” Joel noted.

Health and Water Quality Concerns

Although iron is an essential nutrient in small amounts, elevated iron levels in drinking water can make water unpleasant and potentially problematic.

High iron concentrations can:

• Cause metallic taste and odor
• Lead to stomach discomfort for some individuals
• Promote bacterial growth within plumbing systems
• Discourage adequate water consumption due to poor taste and appearance

While iron bacteria are not considered directly harmful, their presence can indicate conditions that allow other contaminants to thrive.

A Reminder for Well Owners

Joel emphasized that yellow well water should never be ignored.

“At first we thought it was just staining, but it turned out to be something that needed to be addressed properly,” they said.

Water professionals stress that testing is the only way to identify the exact type and level of iron present and to determine the correct treatment solution. Without testing, homeowners risk treating symptoms instead of the root cause.

At EDS Pumps & Water Treatment, we can test your water for bacteria, chemicals, and arsenic. Contact our Water Specialists to learn more about water testing at our office in Langley: call (604) 534-1115 or fill out our contact form here.

How Iron and Manganese Can Be Treated in Well Water

Once testing reveals that iron (and often manganese) is present in your well water, there are several effective ways to treat it, and choosing the right method depends on the form of the metals, the concentration, and your household needs. Always ask EDS’s Water Specialists for their recommendations at info@edspumps.com or call (604) 534-1115.

Simple Filters for Small Amounts

Dissolved and oxidized contaminants have to be dealt with differently. Sometimes small amounts of oxidized iron and manganese can be taken out by basic filtration options like a pitcher carbon filter. However, these are generally suited only for small concentrations and won’t handle larger volumes throughout the house. If they are dissolved, a carbon filter will not be effective. Boiling water is not recommended, as it will not remove any of the metals, and even increases their concentration if water is boiled away. Read more on the BC’s Water Stewardship Information Series here.

Oxidation and Filtration Systems

A commonly used strategy is oxidizing the dissolved metals and then filtering them out, which can work well for moderate to high levels. Equipment designed for this purpose often uses media that can both catalyze oxidation and capture the solid particles that form. Some systems use greensand media coated in potassium permanganate to help convert iron and manganese into a form that can be physically filtered. When iron only is present, some systems use the oxygen in air to oxidize the iron, followed by a filter media to remove the metal.

Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis

Certified Treatment Devices

When selecting a treatment unit, it’s important to look for devices certified for iron and manganese removal. At EDS Pumps & Water Treatment, we provide the highest quality of filtration and treatment units that will bring the best water quality to your home.

The Bottom Line

Yellow well water and stubborn staining are often warning signs of iron contamination. Identifying the specific form of iron through professional testing is essential to protecting both household plumbing and overall water quality.

For well owners, early action can prevent costly repairs, preserve fixtures, and restore confidence in the safety and appearance of their water.