Iron contamination

Question

In Puducherry, India. The iron concentrations in deep borewells are increasing year by year, So, there is a threat to abondon the source. Whats the exact reason for increase in iron concentration in deep borewells over period of time. As the source is limited the problem of iron contamination has to be addressed.
Thanks & regards
R.Rajasegar

Sara S · Accepted Answer

iron contamination
Iron and manganese (Fe/Mn) are common in groundwater supplies used by in many  water systems. Iron is the more frequent of these two contaminants, but they often occur together. High levels of these contaminants can result in discolored water, stained plumbing fixtures, and an unpleasant metallic taste to the water. This can lead to employee and visitor complaints about the water. Iron deposits can buildup in pressure tanks, storage tanks, water heaters, and pipelines. Iron-deposit buildup can decrease capacity, reduce pressure, and increase maintenance. These deposits can also cause self-closing valves to stick.
Treatment options include sequestering, ion exchange, oxidizing filters, and oxidation and filtration or settling. The most appropriate and cost-effective option depends on the concentration and form of Fe/Mn, water chemistry, and how much water needs to be treated. For getting details of these treatment types you can searched on USDA sites or see this one.
http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/he394.html