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Michigan Well Water and Irrigation: Iron Staining, Clogged Sprinklers & Solutions

By Kyle Wood, Water Treatment Specialist • Updated May 2026 •
Serving Brighton, Howell & Livingston County, Michigan

How Michigan Well Water Harms Irrigation Systems and Property

Michigan homeowners with irrigation systems on well water face a unique combination of challenges that homeowners in most other states don’t encounter at the same severity. Livingston County well water frequently delivers iron at 1–8 mg/L, hardness at 250–400 mg/L, and occasional manganese — concentrations that, while manageable for household use with appropriate treatment, create visible and practical problems when applied to outdoor surfaces at high volume through an irrigation system.

Iron staining on hard surfaces (the most visible Michigan irrigation problem): Dissolved ferrous iron in Michigan well water is colorless when it leaves the sprinkler head. When it lands on concrete, brick, wooden fence, vinyl siding, or painted surface and the water evaporates, the dissolved iron oxidizes to ferric iron — rust — that bonds to the surface. One irrigation season can deposit enough iron to visibly orange-stain concrete, and multiple seasons without treatment produce permanent-appearing staining that requires aggressive acid cleaning to remove. Michigan homeowners in Livingston County with iron above 3 mg/L and irrigation systems routinely develop heavy orange staining on concrete edging adjacent to lawn sprinklers, on fence boards that receive overspray, on the foundation of the house where ground-level heads spray, and on pavers in areas with overlapping head coverage. See our guide to iron staining from Michigan well water for cleaning solutions and prevention.

Clogged drip emitters and sprinkler components: Drip irrigation systems are highly susceptible to Michigan well water problems because the design is based on small orifices (emitters, micro-tubing, drip lines) that deliver water in controlled small amounts. These same small orifices are ideal surfaces for iron oxide and calcium scale deposits to accumulate. Michigan well water at 1 mg/L iron and 300 mg/L hardness can clog a standard 1 GPH drip emitter within one irrigation season. At higher iron concentrations (3+ mg/L), emitters may clog within weeks of the season start. The clogging is progressive and often uneven — some emitters in a zone clog while others don’t, producing plants that are overwatered or underwatered depending on which emitters are obstructed.

Effects on soil and plants: Michigan well water’s hardness (calcium and magnesium) and alkaline tendency after the carbonate system equilibrates can gradually affect soil pH in areas of intensive irrigation. Long-term application of hard water at pH 7.5–8.0 raises the pH of acidic Michigan soils toward neutral. For most lawn grasses and common Michigan garden plants, this is not a problem. For acid-loving plants (blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies) that thrive in Michigan’s naturally acidic soils, repeated irrigation with hard alkaline water can raise the immediate root zone pH enough to cause nutrient lockout. Iron in the irrigation water itself deposits an orange film on leaf surfaces and mulch, primarily cosmetic at typical application rates but highly visible on decorative stone and light-colored mulch.

Iron Staining on Concrete, Siding, and Pavers: Cleaning and Prevention

Iron staining on hard outdoor surfaces from Michigan irrigation water is one of the most common complaints of Livingston County homeowners with well water irrigation systems. The staining requires specific treatment because it is chemically different from dirt or organic staining — iron oxide is a mineral deposit that responds only to acid-based cleaning, not to pressure washing alone or standard degreasers.

How iron staining accumulates on outdoor surfaces: Each irrigation cycle deposits a thin layer of dissolved iron on every surface the spray contacts. As the water evaporates, the dissolved iron is left behind and oxidizes to ferric iron. This process repeats with every irrigation cycle, building the iron oxide deposit layer by layer. Porous surfaces like concrete, natural stone, and brick absorb iron into the surface structure rather than just depositing on top, making them harder to clean because the iron must be extracted from within the material, not just rinsed off the surface.

Cleaning iron stains from concrete: CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) applied undiluted to wet concrete, allowed to sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrubbed with a stiff brush and rinsed with pressure washing, removes light to moderate iron staining effectively. For heavy accumulations (multiple seasons of staining), muriatic acid at 1:10 dilution applied to pre-wet concrete with appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection) removes deeper iron deposits. Iron Out powder dissolved in water (1 cup Iron Out per gallon of water) is effective on concrete and is safer than muriatic acid. Oxalic acid-based deck cleaners are highly effective on iron staining on wood, composite decking, and masonry. See our guide to iron staining from Michigan well water.

Cleaning iron stains from vinyl siding and painted wood: Vinyl siding receives iron staining from irrigation overspray, particularly from ground-level spray heads near the foundation. CLR applied with a soft brush and allowed 5 minutes of contact time removes fresh to moderate staining without damaging the vinyl surface. For painted wood surfaces, Bar Keepers Friend powder (oxalic acid) dissolved in water and applied with a soft cloth removes iron staining without lifting paint if contact time is kept to 2–3 minutes followed by thorough rinsing. Never use muriatic acid on vinyl or painted surfaces — it will damage the surface.

Cleaning iron stains from brick and natural stone: Brick and natural stone are porous and require longer acid contact time for effective iron stain removal. Iron Out dissolved in water (2 cups per gallon) applied to pre-wet brick or stone, allowed to sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrubbed with a stiff nylon brush and thoroughly rinsed removes moderate iron staining. Sealing brick and natural stone pavers with an appropriate masonry sealer creates a non-porous barrier that prevents iron oxide from penetrating the surface; iron staining then deposits only on the sealer surface and is much easier to clean.

Preventing iron staining on outdoor surfaces: The most effective prevention is removing the iron from the irrigation water before it contacts the surfaces. An irrigation system iron filter removes dissolved iron to below 0.3 mg/L before it enters the sprinkler heads or drip lines. At sub-0.3 mg/L iron, staining on outdoor surfaces does not occur at practical irrigation volumes. If whole-house iron filtration is not yet installed, adjusting sprinkler heads to avoid overspray onto concrete and siding reduces the staining surface area. See our guide to iron in Michigan well water.

Drip Irrigation and Michigan Well Water: Keeping Emitters Clear

Drip irrigation is the most water-efficient method for Michigan garden beds, vegetable gardens, and landscape plantings, but it is also the most vulnerable to Michigan well water problems. The small orifice size that makes drip emitters precise and water-efficient is the same characteristic that makes them clog quickly on iron-bearing hard water.

Iron clogging of drip emitters: A standard drip emitter delivers water through an orifice of approximately 0.3–0.8 mm diameter. Dissolved iron in Michigan well water oxidizes when it contacts air at the emitter exit point, depositing iron oxide at the orifice exit. At Michigan iron concentrations of 1–8 mg/L, this deposit builds rapidly. Over a Michigan irrigation season of 100–150 operating hours, iron deposits cause noticeable flow reduction and eventual clogging. At 5 mg/L iron, the same process occurs five times faster. Emitters with adjustable flow rates accumulate iron deposits in the adjustment mechanism that cause the adjustment to stick or become inaccurate.

Hard water scale clogging of drip components: Michigan well water hardness (250–400 mg/L) causes calcium carbonate scale to precipitate in drip irrigation components wherever water undergoes a pressure drop or comes into contact with a surface. The drip emitter pressure-compensating mechanism (a small rubber diaphragm) can stiffen and lose accuracy as calcium scale deposits on it over time. Filter screens at the valve manifold, the main line, and in-line drip filters accumulate calcium scale in the mesh openings, progressively restricting flow to entire zones.

Maintaining drip systems on Michigan well water: A systematic maintenance program extends drip system performance on Michigan well water. At the start of the irrigation season: remove and inspect all drip zone filters and screens; soak in white vinegar (for calcium scale) or Iron Out solution (for iron deposits) for 2 hours; rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Mid-season: flush drip lines by opening the end caps at the end of each drip line run and allowing water to flow freely for 2–3 minutes per line; this purges iron oxide particles and dislodged scale deposits. At season end: flush all drip lines before winterizing; leave end caps off for the winter to allow any residual water to drain (preventing freeze damage in Michigan winters).

Emitter replacement strategy on Michigan well water: Standard drip emitters are designed to be replaced rather than cleaned when they clog. On Michigan well water without iron treatment, plan for 20–40% emitter replacement annually as a maintenance budget item. When replacing emitters, consider switching from standard emitters to button emitters with larger orifice diameters (2 GPH or 4 GPH vs. 1 GPH) that are more resistant to clogging at high iron concentrations.

Iron filtration for drip irrigation lines: An irrigation-line iron filter installed at the main supply to the irrigation system removes iron before it enters the drip components. After installation, drip emitters require only the standard occasional flushing recommended on city water; iron-related clogging essentially stops. For Michigan homeowners with extensive drip irrigation in vegetable gardens or established landscape beds where disruption for emitter replacement is costly, an irrigation iron filter is a worthwhile investment. Cost: $300–$800 for an irrigation-dedicated cartridge-type iron filter; $800–$1,500 for a backwashing iron filter on the irrigation main. See our guide to best iron filters for Michigan well water.

Rotary and Pop-Up Spray Head Maintenance on Michigan Well Water

Standard lawn irrigation systems in Michigan use rotor heads (gear-driven rotating streams for large areas) and pop-up spray heads (fixed spray patterns for smaller zones). While less susceptible to clogging than drip emitters due to their larger orifice sizes, these components still experience Michigan well water effects that require periodic maintenance.

Rotor head performance degradation: Rotor heads use gear-driven mechanisms to rotate a water stream in a slow arc across the irrigation zone. The internal gear train of a rotor head is lubricated by water passing through it; iron deposits on the gear surfaces increase friction and slow or stop the rotation over time. Michigan homeowners with high-iron well water (above 3 mg/L) frequently find that some rotor heads in a zone rotate while others have stopped, creating overwatered spots and dry spots. Rebuilding or replacing seized gear drives is more economical than treating the water when only a few heads are affected; at high iron concentrations affecting the entire system, iron treatment addresses the root cause.

Pop-up spray head nozzle clogging: Pop-up spray heads use fixed-pattern nozzles with orifice sizes ranging from 1–5 mm depending on the nozzle type and flow rate. At Michigan iron concentrations of 1–3 mg/L, nozzle orifice clogging in spray heads is less severe than in drip emitters but still occurs. Nozzles that spray an uneven fan pattern despite adequate pressure, or that spray a shorter range than their rated distance, often have partial iron deposits in the orifice or deflector. Cleaning spray nozzles: remove the nozzle by unscrewing from the head body, soak in white vinegar or Iron Out solution for 30 minutes, rinse with clean water, and reinstall. Full nozzle replacement ($0.50–$3.00 per nozzle) is often faster than cleaning for entire-zone nozzle replacement during seasonal maintenance.

Michigan Well Water Effects on Lawn and Garden Plants Through Irrigation

The effects of Michigan well water on plants irrigated with it depend on which water quality parameters are present, at what concentrations, and what specific plants are being grown. Most Michigan lawn grasses and common garden plants tolerate Michigan well water without significant problems; sensitive plants and specific growing situations require more careful management.

Lawn grasses and Michigan well water: Common Michigan lawn grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass) tolerate Michigan well water’s hardness, mild iron, and pH range without meaningful harm at normal irrigation rates. The calcium and magnesium in hard Michigan well water actually provide supplemental nutrients that lawn soils may benefit from. Iron in Michigan well water at concentrations up to 5–10 mg/L does not cause visible iron toxicity symptoms in established lawn grasses at normal irrigation rates. The primary lawn concern from Michigan well water irrigation is the orange staining on concrete edging and pavers, not the grass itself.

Vegetable gardens and Michigan well water: Most vegetable garden plants — tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, squash — tolerate Michigan well water well. Michigan’s naturally slightly acidic soil pH (6.0–6.5 in many Livingston County garden soils) is a good buffer against the mild alkalizing tendency of hard well water. The more significant concern for vegetable gardens is the mineral salt accumulation in the root zone from drip or soaker hose irrigation. Over multiple seasons, this can raise soil salinity and affect water uptake by plant roots. Annual incorporation of organic compost mitigates mineral accumulation in Michigan vegetable garden soils. See our guide to Michigan well water and cooking.

Acid-loving Michigan landscape plants and hard water irrigation: Michigan’s acid-loving plants and popular landscape varieties — blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, hollies, blue hydrangeas — are at most risk from Michigan well water irrigation effects. These plants require soil pH of 4.5–6.0 to take up iron, manganese, and other micronutrients properly. Repeated irrigation with Michigan well water at hardness of 300+ mg/L and pH 7.5–8.0 gradually raises the pH of the root zone over years, especially in containers or raised beds with limited soil volume. The visible symptoms: young leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green (chlorosis from micronutrient lockout), growth slows, and flowering decreases. The solution: acidify the soil around affected plants with elemental sulfur (applied per label rate based on soil test), use sulfur-coated slow-release fertilizers, and mulch heavily with acidic organic mulch (pine bark, pine needle mulch) to buffer pH in the root zone.

Container plants and Michigan well water: Container-grown plants are most vulnerable to Michigan well water effects because they have a limited soil volume that can accumulate minerals rapidly. Hard Michigan well water used to irrigate container plants produces visible white mineral crusts on the soil surface and on the outside of terra cotta pots over time. Best practices for Michigan well water container irrigation: use well-draining potting mixes that allow periodic leaching (watering thoroughly until water runs freely from drainage holes flushes accumulated minerals from the root zone); periodically replace the top 1–2 inches of potting mix; and repot to fresh potting mix annually for sensitive plants. Reverse osmosis water is an excellent option for watering sensitive container plants and acid-loving landscape plants in Michigan. See our guide to best RO systems for Michigan well water.

Iron Staining on Outdoor Features: Driveways, Decks, and House Siding

The outdoor living spaces of Michigan homes receive the most visible and concentrated iron staining from irrigation systems. Understanding which materials are most vulnerable and which cleaning approaches work on each surface helps Michigan homeowners maintain their outdoor features despite high-iron well water irrigation.

Concrete driveways and sidewalks: Concrete is highly susceptible to iron staining because its porous structure absorbs dissolved iron that then oxidizes within the concrete matrix. Fresh concrete (less than 2 years old) is more absorbent than cured concrete; iron staining on fresh concrete penetrates deeper and is harder to remove. For established concrete driveways, the staining from irrigation heads positioned to cover lawn edges adjacent to the driveway builds progressively — a few seasons of slight orange tinge becomes a deep orange band at the driveway edge that requires aggressive acid treatment to remove. Concrete sealer applied to clean concrete after acid cleaning creates a barrier that significantly reduces new iron penetration.

Wood decks and fences: Wood is particularly susceptible to iron staining from Michigan well water because the tannins naturally present in wood (especially cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine) react with iron to form iron tannate — a black to dark gray compound rather than the typical orange of iron oxide on other surfaces. Michigan homeowners with high-iron irrigation water sometimes develop dark staining on wood fence boards, deck boards, and wooden retaining walls that receive irrigation overspray. This differs from the typical iron staining appearance and is sometimes confused with mold or wood stain failure. Oxalic acid-based deck cleaners remove this dark staining effectively. After cleaning, applying a wood sealer or deck stain prevents new iron absorption.

House foundation and siding from ground-level irrigation heads: Ground-level spray heads positioned near the foundation of a Michigan home spray water — and dissolved iron — directly onto the foundation masonry and the lowest courses of siding. Foundation staining from iron-bearing irrigation water is one of the most common and most unsightly Michigan irrigation problems. The staining concentrates at exactly the height of the spray radius (typically 6–18 inches above grade) and can extend the full length of the foundation wall. For new irrigation system installations, head placement should keep spray trajectory a minimum of 12–18 inches from the foundation to avoid direct spray contact with the foundation wall.

Iron Treatment Options for Michigan Irrigation Systems

Michigan homeowners with iron-related irrigation problems have several treatment options, ranging from whole-house iron removal (which also protects household plumbing and fixtures) to irrigation-dedicated point-of-use treatment.

Option 1: Whole-house iron filter (best for most Michigan well water homes): A whole-house air injection oxidation iron filter installed at the main point of entry treats all water entering the home, including the irrigation supply. This is the most comprehensive solution: it eliminates iron from drinking water, bathing water, laundry water, and irrigation water simultaneously. For Michigan homes without any water treatment, a whole-house iron filter is typically the correct first investment. Cost: $800–$2,000 installed. See our guide to best iron filters for Michigan well water.

Option 2: Dedicated irrigation line iron treatment: For homes that already have indoor iron filtration but have an outdoor irrigation system connected to a dedicated outdoor supply line, or for homes where the homeowner wants to minimize cost and treat only the irrigation water, a dedicated irrigation line iron filter can be installed on the irrigation supply. Options include: backwashing green sand or air injection filters sized for the irrigation system’s flow rate (typically 5–20 GPM for residential irrigation); or lower-flow cartridge-type iron filters appropriate for drip-only irrigation systems at 1–3 GPM. Outdoor iron filters require winterization in Michigan unless installed inside an insulated enclosure.

Option 3: Polyphosphate injection (sequestering agent, not removal): Polyphosphate injection or polyphosphate cartridge filters add a sequestering agent to the water that chemically binds iron and prevents it from oxidizing and depositing on surfaces. This approach does not remove iron from the water — it keeps iron in a sequestered form that does not stain. For irrigation applications, polyphosphate injection is less effective than for household use because the larger water volume applied in irrigation quickly exhausts polyphosphate treatment capacity. See our guide to iron filter vs water softener in Michigan.

Winterizing Michigan Well Water Irrigation Systems

Michigan’s freeze season requires that irrigation systems be fully winterized before the first hard freeze. Iron and mineral deposits in irrigation components require slightly different winterization considerations than city water systems.

Blow-out procedure for Michigan irrigation systems with iron water: The standard Michigan irrigation winterization procedure is compressed air blow-out: connect a compressor to the irrigation mainline, open each zone valve, and blow compressed air through the lines until no water exits from the sprinkler heads. On Michigan iron-water systems, inspect the heads during blow-out for orange water or visible iron deposits exiting with the air — this identifies zones where iron accumulation is most severe and guides which zones receive priority attention at spring startup.

Dealing with iron-clogged components before winterizing: Fall is a good time to service clogged drip emitters and spray nozzles before storing the system for winter. With the system pressurized for the final blow-out cycle, flush all drip zones by opening end caps for 2–3 minutes per zone. Remove and soak filter screens in Iron Out solution while the blow-out proceeds on other zones. Replace clogged emitters before shutting down for the season so that the system is fully operational at spring startup without requiring additional service. See our guide to winterizing a well in Michigan for related seasonal preparation guidance.

Michigan Irrigation System Design for High-Iron Well Water

For Michigan homeowners planning a new irrigation system installation or redesigning an existing system, designing with Michigan well water quality in mind from the start reduces maintenance and iron staining problems significantly.

Head placement to minimize surface staining: Position spray heads to minimize overspray onto concrete, pavers, siding, and wood surfaces. Keep head placement at least 18–24 inches from hard surface edges when possible. Use head-to-head coverage design (each head reaches the next head’s position) which reduces the need for high-arc trajectories that send water beyond the turf area. On steep or bermed areas, prefer drip irrigation over spray heads to prevent water from running off and pooling on hard surfaces downslope.

Separate irrigation zones for different plant types: Designing the irrigation system with separate zones for lawn areas, planting beds, and acid-loving plant areas allows water treatment to be applied selectively if needed. If a whole-house iron filter is not installed, the planting bed zones can be treated with a smaller in-line filter while lawn zones receive untreated water. This zone separation also enables different watering schedules for plants with different water requirements.

Integrate water treatment into the design plan: When planning a new irrigation system in Michigan, budget for iron treatment at the same time. The incremental cost of adding an iron filter when the irrigation supply line is being run from the house is much lower than retrofitting a filter later. A whole-house iron filter sized for both household use and irrigation flow rate (add the irrigation system’s peak flow demand — typically 10–20 GPM — to the household demand when sizing the filter) provides comprehensive protection for the entire property. Pure Water Filtration works with Michigan irrigation system contractors to design integrated water treatment for new irrigation installations in Livingston County. Call (248) 533-5050 to discuss your irrigation and water quality needs together.

Hard Water Scale in Michigan Irrigation Systems

While iron staining is the most visible Michigan irrigation problem, hard water scale (calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate deposits) creates its own set of maintenance issues that affect irrigation system performance and longevity. Michigan well water at 250–400 mg/L hardness deposits scale in irrigation components wherever the water slows, heats, or evaporates.

Scale in backflow preventers: The backflow preventer is a critical safety device that prevents irrigation water from flowing back into the household supply. Michigan hard water deposits scale in the check valve seats, ball valve seals, and test port fittings of backflow preventers. Scale on check valve seats causes the check valves to leak — a failed check valve is both a plumbing code violation and a potential source of irrigation water contaminating the household supply. Annual inspection of the backflow preventer and periodic cleaning of accessible internal components extends service life on Michigan well water. Backflow preventer replacement on hard well water is typically needed every 7–12 years; with upstream water softening, service life extends to 15+ years.

Scale in solenoid valve orifices: Each irrigation zone has a solenoid valve that opens when the controller signals the zone to run. The valve body contains a small orifice through which pressurized water flows to open the valve diaphragm. Michigan hard water deposits scale in this orifice over time, causing the valve to respond slowly, fail to open fully (reducing zone flow), or fail to open at all. Scale-related valve failures are a common Michigan irrigation service call in systems more than 5 years old on untreated well water. Solenoid valve replacement ($20–$60 per valve) is the usual repair; valve rebuild kits are available for some models but are rarely worth the effort compared to full replacement.

Scale in the main line filter: Every Michigan drip system should have a main line filter (Y-type or disc filter, typically 120–200 mesh) upstream of the drip zones to prevent particles from reaching the emitters. Hard water scale accumulates on the filter screen mesh in addition to any iron deposits, progressively reducing flow through the filter. The combined calcium + iron deposit on filter mesh is harder to clean than either alone — iron deposits bind the calcium scale to the mesh in a cemented matrix. Cleaning this combined deposit: soak the filter element in a mixed solution of white vinegar (for calcium) plus Iron Out (for iron) for 2–4 hours; rinse with high-pressure water. Annual filter cleaning is standard maintenance on Michigan well water drip systems. See our guide to hard water scale removal in Michigan.

Scale in atmospheric vacuum breakers and pressure vacuum breakers: Vacuum breaker devices (required on many Michigan irrigation installations by plumbing code to prevent backflow) contain rubber seats and atmospheric openings that accumulate scale deposits. Scale on the rubber seat prevents the device from sealing properly; a leaking vacuum breaker drips continuously when the zone is pressurized. Vinegar soaking (soak the disassembled device in white vinegar for 1–2 hours) dissolves calcium scale from the rubber seat and internal body. If the rubber components are deformed or cracked from scale-induced stress, replacement of the entire device is the correct repair.

Diagnosing Michigan Irrigation Problems: Is It Iron, Scale, or Both?

When a Michigan well water irrigation system underperforms — low pressure in a zone, uneven coverage, clogged emitters — determining whether the cause is iron deposits, calcium scale, or a combination guides the appropriate maintenance response:

Signs of iron deposits (vs. calcium scale): Orange or rust-brown coloration on any surface the irrigation water contacts — inside the pipe when cut open, on the exterior of emitters, on filter screens. Iron deposits are hard and granular; they may appear as loose orange particles in flushed water or as a firm orange coating on component surfaces. Iron deposits respond to acid-based iron removers (Iron Out, CLR, muriatic acid) but resist pure vinegar (white vinegar dissolves calcium but is only mildly effective on iron oxide).

Signs of calcium scale (vs. iron deposits): White to gray chalky deposits on component surfaces. Calcium scale dissolves readily in white vinegar (visible fizzing as the acetic acid reacts with the calcium carbonate). Scale is typically smooth and uniform; it builds in layers. Scale restricts orifices and seats without the orange coloration of iron deposits. In Michigan irrigation systems, pure calcium scale (without iron) is seen primarily in homes with softened well water (where the iron has been removed but the softener is bypassed for the outdoor supply) or in areas with very low iron but high hardness.

Combined iron + calcium deposits (most common in Livingston County): Michigan well water frequently delivers both iron (1–8 mg/L) and hardness (250–400 mg/L) simultaneously, producing a combined deposit that has the orange coloration of iron and the cemented structure of calcium. This combined deposit is harder to remove than either alone because the calcium matrix physically traps iron oxide particles and the combined deposit bonds more firmly to surfaces. For cleaning: use a combination of white vinegar soak (30–60 minutes to attack the calcium) followed by Iron Out solution soak (30 minutes to attack the iron), then thorough rinsing and mechanical scrubbing. Alternatively, CLR (which contains both calcium-dissolving acid and iron-chelating compounds) handles both deposit types in a single product.

Testing your irrigation water: Before investing in treatment, confirm the iron concentration and hardness in your well water with a laboratory test. A basic test panel ($40–$80 at Livingston County Environmental Health or a certified Michigan laboratory) that includes iron, hardness, pH, and manganese provides the data needed to size a treatment system correctly. Pure Water Filtration provides free basic water testing as part of irrigation treatment consultations — call (248) 533-5050 to schedule. See our guide to well water testing cost in Michigan for laboratory testing options.