High Iron Content in Borough Water

Collingswood man Bob Smith is among a number of residents recently experiencing issues with the borough's water supply.

"While my wife was doing wash the other day (Thursday, May 26), I went to get a drink of water from the faucet, and it was brown-colored," said Smith. "The sheets, the bedspreads, everything we washed that day got brown-stuff stained all over it."

According to Collingswood Mayor James Maley, the problem is both recognized and being addressed by the borough.

"(Water discoloration is being caused by) a high iron-content (in the borough's water supply)," said Maley Tuesday afternoon.

Smith said last Thursday was the first time he's encountered the issue in his longtime residence here.

"I've lived here 47 years, and never had this problem before. It seemed to just be a weird, random occurrence," said Smith. 

After noticing the stained bedclothes, Smith said he immediately phoned Collingswood Borough Hall in search of answers. 

"I called the borough, and they confirmed that we were having a water issue," said Smith. "They told me to come over to borough hall, and they gave me a free bottle of something that you put into the wash to counteract the iron discoloration."

Smith was given a bottle of Red-B-Gone Rust & Iron Stain Remover, a product manufactured by Pro Products, LLC, to combat discolorations caused by the water's iron content.

According to Pro Products' website, Red-B-Gone is a solution widely used by municipalities whose water supply contains iron and rust. 

The website claims their product removes stained items caused by iron and rust deposits in water—clearing residue from tainted items such as glass-ware and clothing—without the use of hazardous substances like acids.

Smith said he was given a 6-ounce bottle of Red-B-Gone—which is available in 6-ounce, 16-ounce and 50-pound quantities. 

According to Smith, he brought the solution home and followed instructions, adding one-half of a cup into his washing machine, letting it soak, and washing the stained items with detergent.

"Unfortunately, it didn't take the stains completely out. It definitely took out some of them, but not all of them," said Smith. "But the borough was very nice and helpful when I called, and we appreciated their trying to help remedy the issue."

Smith's wife, Margaret, confirmed the solution's inability to remove all staining.

"When (the borough) gave me the bottle, I went right home and added it to the wash with the bedsheets," she said. "I had three quilts, a dust-ruffle, and some sheets. They're still all stained-up."

While Smith said borough officials attributed the iron content to a new water well, Mayor Maley could not confirm this, and directed further comment to Collingswood Borough Water Superintendent John Meier. 

Meier was unable to be reached Tuesday, after Patch placed a number of calls and pages to Collingswood's Water Department and its respective water emergency phone service. 

For residents experiencing similar issues, Collingswood Patch will post updated information—including an official cause for iron content and how residents should seek assistance—as soon as it's made available.