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Question:
What causes iron to get in the river water?


Replies:
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.

Don Libby


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