Why Borehole Water in Cape Town Often Contains Iron & Manganese
- thewatersolarco
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Borehole water is a reliable and independent water source for many properties across Cape Town and surrounding areas. However, homeowners frequently discover staining, metallic tastes, discoloured water, or buildup in plumbing — all common signs of elevated iron and manganese in groundwater.
Understanding why these minerals occur and how they are properly treated is essential for ensuring safe, clean water for drinking, household use, and long-term system protection.
What Causes Iron and Manganese in Borehole Water?
Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals found in soil and rock formations throughout the Western Cape. As groundwater moves through these geological layers, it dissolves small amounts of these metals and carries them into boreholes.
Several local factors increase the likelihood of elevated levels:
Mineral-rich geology in parts of the Cape region
Low oxygen groundwater conditions, allowing dissolved metals to remain in solution
Deeper boreholes intersecting iron-bearing rock strata
Seasonal water table changes affecting mineral concentration
While these minerals are natural, high concentrations create serious household problems and can make water unsuitable for normal domestic use without treatment.
Signs Your Borehole Water Contains Iron or Manganese
Many Cape Town homeowners first notice the issue through visible and practical symptoms, including:
Brown, orange, or black staining on sinks, toilets, and laundry
Metallic or bitter taste in drinking water
Discoloured water when filling a bath or swimming pool
Build-up inside pipes, pumps, and appliances
Reduced lifespan of geysers, washing machines, and irrigation systems
Even when water looks clear initially, iron and manganese can oxidise after exposure to air or chlorine, suddenly causing staining or dark water.
Are Iron and Manganese Harmful?
At typical borehole concentrations in Cape Town:
They are usually not acutely toxic
But they affect taste, colour, and usability
High levels can promote bacterial growth and slime formation
Long-term exposure can damage plumbing infrastructure and appliances
For safe, practical household use, professional treatment is strongly recommended when levels exceed guideline limits.
1. pH Correction
Adjusting pH improves the oxidation and filtration efficiency of dissolved metals.
2. Oxidation (Air, Ozone or Chlorine)
Iron and manganese must first be converted from dissolved form into solid particles so they can be filtered out.
3. Specialised Filtration Media
Advanced media such as high-performance catalytic filtration removes oxidised metals and fine particles, producing clear, stain-free water.
4. Fine Cartridge Filtration
Polishing filtration removes remaining sediment, turbidity, and organics.
5. Optional Reverse Osmosis
Where dissolved salts or brackish conditions are also present, reverse osmosis provides clean, high-quality drinking water.
Because every borehole is different, correct water testing and system design are critical.
Real Example: Treating Iron & Manganese in Cape Farms
A recent project in the Cape Farms area outside Cape Town involved borehole water with:
Elevated iron and manganese
High hardness and scaling potential
Slightly brackish dissolved solids
We designed a complete treatment system including oxidation, advanced filtration, scale control, and reverse osmosis — delivering safe drinking water and clean household supply without municipal dependence.
Do You Need Borehole Water Treatment in Cape Town?
If your borehole water shows staining, metallic taste, scaling, or discolouration, the most important first step is professional water analysis.
A correctly engineered system can provide:
Clear, stain-free household water
Safe drinking water without bottled supply
Protection for plumbing and appliances
Long-term water independence
The Water Solar Company designs and installs customised borehole water treatment systems across Cape Town, Cape Farms, and surrounding regions.
Book a professional borehole water assessment today
and let our team design a reliable treatment solution tailored to your water quality and household needs.
Tap to speak with a water treatment specialist.
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Accurate analysis is the first step to safe, reliable borehole water.
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