Rusty water contains high levels of oxidized iron particles, giving it a reddish-brown or orange hue. While discolored water from a showerhead is alarming, showering in it is generally safe, but with important caveats. The presence of rust points to a problem within the plumbing system or water supply that should be investigated promptly. The primary concern is not acute poisoning, but the potential for long-term plumbing damage and the presence of other contaminants.
Health Risks of Topical Exposure and Inhalation
Iron oxide is not easily absorbed through intact skin, so the topical health risk from the particles is minimal. However, iron reacts chemically with soap, preventing proper lathering and leaving a sticky residue on the skin. This residue can clog pores, potentially leading to irritation, dryness, or exacerbation of existing skin conditions like acne or eczema.
A more significant concern comes from inhaling water vapor during a hot shower. Corroding pipes provide an environment where bacteria, such as iron bacteria or Legionella, can thrive. These microorganisms feed on iron and can be aerosolized in the steam from the shower, posing an inhalation risk for respiratory illness.
Rust acts as a warning sign that plumbing is deteriorating, potentially leading to more serious contamination. In older homes, the corrosion process that creates rust may also release other metals like lead that have accumulated in the pipes over decades. The rust indicates compromised pipe integrity, and the water should be tested for other contaminants before it is consumed. While the iron oxide itself is not acutely dangerous through topical exposure, the shower environment raises concerns about underlying water quality issues.
Aesthetic Effects on Skin and Hair
The cosmetic effects of showering in water with a high iron content are often the most immediate and noticeable issue for users. Iron particles in the water can attach to the hair shaft, leading to a dull or dry texture. This effect is particularly pronounced in light-colored hair, such as blonde, white, or color-treated hair, which can develop an unwanted orange, reddish, or brassy tint. The iron essentially oxidizes on the hair, acting similarly to a mild chemical oxidizer, which can alter the hair’s color and texture over time.
On the skin, the iron can contribute to dryness and a film of residue that is difficult to rinse away completely. Because the iron interferes with the cleansing action of soap, the skin may feel less clean, and the residual soap film can contribute to the clogging of pores. Exposure can also leave a temporary, faint reddish or orange tint on the skin, which is purely cosmetic. High-iron water also leaves characteristic rust-colored stains on shower curtains, tubs, and tiles, creating a persistent cleaning problem for bathroom fixtures.
Common Causes and Mitigation Steps
Rusty water typically originates from a few specific sources within a home’s plumbing or the municipal supply. The most frequent cause in older homes is the corrosion of galvanized steel or iron pipes, which slowly degrade over time and slough off iron oxide particles into the water. Another common source is the hot water heater, especially if the rust is only present when using hot water, indicating sediment buildup or a failing sacrificial anode rod. Less frequently, the issue is temporary and caused by disturbances in the public water main, such as nearby construction or municipal flushing.
Identifying the source is the first step toward mitigation and can be done by observing the water’s behavior. If rust appears only in the hot water, the water heater is the likely culprit, and a flush of the tank or replacement may be needed. If the rust is present in both hot and cold water at all faucets, the problem is either systemic within the home’s pipes or coming from the main supply line. If the problem is isolated to a single fixture, the issue is localized to that specific faucet’s supply line.
For a short-term fix, users can run the cold water for several minutes until it clears, which can flush out temporary sediment stirred up in the pipes. Long-term solutions depend entirely on the source and often require a professional plumber. Addressing corroding galvanized pipes may necessitate a partial or full replacement with modern materials like copper or PEX tubing. If the water supply itself has naturally high iron content, a specialized iron filter or water treatment system, such as an oxidizing filter or water softener, will be required to remove the minerals before they enter the home’s plumbing.