Match the stain to the source
| Where you see it | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Walls, sidewalks, driveway, fence, where sprinklers hit | Irrigation well water with iron |
| Toilets, sinks and laundry, on a private well | Iron in the drinking well, sometimes iron bacteria |
| Brief brown water after a repair or main break | Sediment stirred up in pipes |
| Only from the hot side | Water heater sediment or corrosion |
Irrigation wells
Shallow irrigation wells deliver untreated groundwater, and in South Florida that water often carries dissolved iron. It looks clear coming out of the sprinkler, then oxidizes into orange stains as it dries. The Florida Department of Health notes iron bacteria can also leave red stains and slimy growth. Options include iron filtration on the irrigation line, chemical feed systems, adjusting sprinkler heads away from surfaces, or using a different irrigation source.
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 all change the answer. Living Water configures a well water system from the results. See well water treatment in Lake Worth Beach.
Pipes and city work
The city's 2026 capital plan includes replacing aging water mains. Main breaks and repairs can briefly stir up sediment; the utility posts precautionary boil water notices for affected addresses when needed. Discolored water that clears after running the cold tap is usually temporary. If it does not clear, call the utility at 561-533-7300. Older galvanized plumbing inside a home can also shed rust; that calls for a plumber's look rather than a filter.
What Jorge tests
Iron at the kitchen tap and at an outdoor spigot or 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 fine. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
Cleaning what is already stained
Treatment stops new stains; it does not remove old ones. Rust stains on stucco, pavers and pool decks usually need a cleaner made for iron stains, and some surfaces need a professional. Test any product on a small area first. Once the source is treated, stains stop coming back after each watering cycle, which is the real goal.
https://colwb.box.com/s/3y4axsrzhucz69n8svudcwprl1lpeh4x
https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/well-water-facts-odor-staining.pdf
https://utilities.lakeworthbeachfl.gov/water-utility
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist