UPDATE: High Iron Content in Borough Water

Collingswood Water Department Superintendent John Meier confirmed that the borough's water supply is high in iron content.

Tuesday morning, Meier spoke with Patch about the issue, and reports from residents who have encountered brown-colored tap water.

"We had an issue a few weeks ago where iron was detected in our water system, by resident complaints," said Meier. "(Water discoloration) was most likely caused by iron entering our water system while operating our wells, which have higher iron when we operate in the summer months."

Meier said discoloration could be occurring from other sources. 

"Other causes could be from high water demand, or the illegal use of fire hydrants—which reduce pressure and stir sediment in the water lines," said Meier.

Among residents who experienced water discoloration was Bob Smith, who said he noticed brown-colored tap water on Thursday, May 26.

"While my wife was doing wash the other day (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."

Smith said last month was the first time he's encountered this issue throughout 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."

While the Smith's had partial luck with the solution, the borough stands by its ability to remove iron staining. 

"We do have a compound (the borough) can give you, at no cost, that will remove the iron (residue)," said Meier Tuesday. 

Residents experiencing similar problems may obtain their free bottle of rust and iron stain remover from the borough, by calling 856-854-2332.

Meier urged residents experiencing tap water discoloration to be aware of one critical fact.

"(While iron content and residue) is not a health threat, it can stain fixtures and cloth," said Meier.