• Iron removal is important to keeping city water healthy.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Iron removal methods play an important role in treating water systems. The Minnesota Rural Water Association notes that iron removal methods keep city and county water systems healthy. Iron cannot withstand strong concentrations of oxygen and is usually discovered at the bottom of water bodies, away from highly oxidized surface waters. Oxidation methods remove iron and can be modified to meet different removal demands.
  
  

Oxidation Aeration

• Oxidation aeration is a critical method of iron removal. This method requires a forcing of concentrated air into water sources containing iron and magnesium, according to the MRWA. The air dispenses as dissolved oxygen and interacts with iron and magnesium molecules to convert the elements into configurations that make them easy for removal. Aeration methods require precision. Excessive - or speedy - aeration can prevent appropriate contact of dissolved oxygen to iron. Too little - or slow - aeration can corrupt water bodies with harmful amounts of dissolved oxygen.
  
  

Oxidation with Chlorine

• Chlorine is another effective method of removing iron. According to the MRWA, injecting chlorine into water bodies can transform iron into the element of hydroxide. Transforming iron via oxidation with chlorine reduces the amount of iron in the water. Chlorine is most effective when rapidly introduced to water bodies and can be filtered when "sodium bisulfide, sulfur dioxide, or sodium bisulfide" are subsequently introduced.
  
  

Oxidation with Permanganate

• Oxidation with permanganate is a third measure for keeping iron at bay. The MRWA notes that permanganate, an element of potassium, transforms iron into filtration-ready forms. Oxidation with permanganate is often used in conjunction with an injection system that maintains constant pressure as the permanganate is dispensed into the water. Unremitting pressure helps to initiate contact of the permanganate with the iron. This method is complete when insoluble iron is fully removed via filtration.