Sprinklers and stucco
Iron dissolved in shallow groundwater turns to rust as soon as it meets air. When sprinklers spray the same wall or path every cycle, the marks build up into orange bands that follow the spray pattern. Landscapes on Seacoast's reclaimed water or on private wells are separate from your drinking water, so outdoor stains are a question about your irrigation source.
Pool decks and screen enclosures are especially prone, because spray heads are often set close to them. If your irrigation comes from Seacoast's reclaimed water system or a community-managed source, the association that manages it is the right first contact.
Indoor rust
- Private drinking well: iron stains sinks, toilets and laundry.
- Hot water only: points to the water heater tank.
- Older plumbing: corroding pipes or fittings on the house side.
- After main work: brief discoloration can happen; call Seacoast at 561-627-2900 if it continues.
If you rent or live in a condo, report indoor rust to the owner or association, who manage the plumbing and any wells.
What iron is and is not
EPA lists iron as a secondary contaminant, which concerns color, staining and taste rather than health. It is still a nuisance, and it can foul softener resin and other treatment media if it is not removed first.
Inside the house, discolored hot water with clear cold water points to the water heater. Draining it as the manufacturer recommends clears sediment and shows you what has built up inside.
Matching the fix to the source
| Source | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Irrigation well | Treatment on the irrigation line or rust-control products, chosen from a test |
| Drinking well | Oxidation and filtration in a well water system |
| Water heater or pipes | Plumbing repair or replacement |
Cleaning and prevention
Use a cleaner made for rust on stucco and pavers, testing a small area first. Stains will return unless the source is addressed, so at least adjust sprinkler heads away from walls, fences and pool decks. In communities where irrigation is managed by an association, raise it with them.
Treating irrigation water is usually a separate project from drinking water and should be sized for the irrigation pump's flow, not the house.
Test it
Jorge tests iron and pH at your tap and, if you want, at the irrigation supply, and tells you what is causing the stain before recommending anything. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.sua.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SUACCR2025.pdf
https://www.sua.com/wastewater/
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/secondary-drinking-water-standards-guidance-nuisance-chemicals
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist