Orange & Rust Stains From Water in Tequesta

Common causes

• Irrigation wells: untreated groundwater with iron, sprayed on everything nearby.
• Private drinking wells: iron and iron bacteria stain fixtures and laundry; the Florida DOH says iron bacteria are not known to cause disease but cause stains, tastes and odors.
• Old pipes: corroding galvanized or iron lines inside the home.

Stains that appear only where sprinkler spray reaches are almost always irrigation water.

Temporary discoloration from Village work

The Village contracts annual fire hydrant testing and maintenance; its November 2025 notice warned residents of occasional temporary discoloration or pressure changes, which should clear after running the cold water for a few minutes. Water main replacements on Tequesta Drive and Beach Road can have the same short-term effect. If discoloration does not clear, call the Utilities Department at 561-768-0484 or customer service at 561-768-0421.

Waterfront surfaces

Between the Loxahatchee River, the Indian River and the ocean, many Tequesta properties have docks, seawalls, pavers and boats. Iron-bearing irrigation water marks all of them. Rinsing boats and hard surfaces with Village water rather than irrigation water avoids new stains while you decide on treatment.

Salt air also marks metal fittings, so not every orange mark near the water is from irrigation.

Testing

Jorge tests iron, pH and hardness on the indoor tap and the irrigation or well water. Iron level and pH determine which treatment works. If anyone drinks well water, add a certified lab test for bacteria through the DOH Environmental Laboratory in West Palm Beach.

He will also ask when the stains appeared. Stains that started suddenly after a well pump replacement or a change in irrigation schedule point to the well. Stains that appear only after hydrant testing and fade point to temporary discoloration.

Treatment options

• Irrigation: iron treatment on the irrigation line, and redirecting spray away from walls.
• Drinking well: a well water system configured from the test.
• Old pipes: plumbing repair, not filtration.

Existing stains need a cleaner made for rust on that surface; treatment prevents new ones.

The Village's year-round three-day watering schedule limits how often sprinklers run, which also limits how much iron-bearing water hits your walls. Keeping to that schedule and aiming heads away from walls reduces staining while you consider treatment.

Book a test

Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974. See also well water in Tequesta.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist