Match the stain to the source
| Where you see it | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Stucco, driveway, fence, pool deck in the sprinkler pattern | Irrigation well water with iron |
| Toilets, sinks, laundry on a private well | Iron or iron bacteria in the well |
| Brief discoloration during hydrant flushing | Sediment stirred up in the mains |
| Hot side only | Water heater sediment or corrosion |
Irrigation wells
Shallow irrigation wells pump untreated groundwater. When it carries iron, it comes out clear and oxidizes into rust-colored stains as it dries on surfaces. The Florida Department of Health notes iron bacteria can also leave red stains and slimy deposits that clog sprinkler parts. Options include iron treatment or chemical feed on the irrigation line, re-aiming heads away from walls and walks, or changing the irrigation source. The South Florida Water Management District's year-round landscape irrigation rules are worth checking too.
County water and flushing
PBCWUD flushes hydrants as part of its twice-yearly maintenance, alongside its switch to chlorine only. Flushing can briefly stir up sediment and discolor water. If your tap water turns brown or orange and does not clear after running the cold tap, call PBCWUD at 561-740-4600, Option 1; the county says it can flush lines in your area. Persistent stains from tap water are uncommon on treated county water, so if they happen, look at your own pipes and water heater.
Private drinking wells
On a drinking well, iron shows up as orange rings in toilets and stained laundry. Treatment is chosen from the test, because iron level, pH and hydrogen sulfide change the answer. Living Water configures a well water system from the results. See well water treatment in Greenacres.
Cleaning old stains
Treatment stops new stains; it does not remove old ones. Rust on stucco, pavers and pool decks usually needs a cleaner made for iron stains, and some surfaces need a professional. Test any product on a small area first. If you have an HOA, check whether it has guidance on exterior cleaning.
What Jorge tests
Iron at the kitchen tap and at an outdoor spigot or the irrigation line, plus pH and hardness, which affect iron treatment. He will tell you if the stain is from irrigation and your drinking water is not involved. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/well-water-facts-odor-staining.pdf
https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/Pages/Water-Quality.aspx
https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/PubDoc/CCR_2025.pdf
https://www.sfwmd.gov/community-residents/landscape-irrigation
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist