Ask A Scientist© Environmental Science Archive

Author:     atrumler
Text:       What causes iron to get in the river water?

Response #: 1 of 1
Author:     Don Libby
Text:       Iron is a metal ore that is very common in rocks and soil. The 
iron that we use to manufacture steel comes from big mines where the iron is 
dug up from ground containing rich deposits. If water flows over ground that 
is rich with iron, some of the iron will dissolve into the water and be 
carried away. Sometimes water that is rich in iron will cause a yellow, 
orange, red, or black stain in a sink or wherever the water flows. If you have 
ever seen a rusty old car, then you know what water can do to iron! A little 
bit of iron in the water is not harmful. In fact, our bodies need iron in 
order to live, since it helps our blood carry oxygen.