Will the groundwater stain my laundry and household fixtures?

No. It is not uncommon for groundwater in the Longview-Kelso area to contain some amount of iron and manganese.

Iron & Manganese Stains

Left untreated, raw water containing iron and manganese will oxidize when exposed to air (as it leaves the tap) and these minerals will change from a colorless, dissolved form to red-brown (iron) or brownish-black (manganese) particles. If not removed from the water, iron can cause reddish-brown staining of:

  • Dishes
  • Glassware
  • Laundry
  • Porcelain
  • Utensils

Manganese acts similarly but causes a brownish-black stain. Soaps and detergents do not remove these stains, and use of chlorine bleach can intensify the stains.

Iron & Manganese Removal

The City treats for iron and manganese removal in order to prevent the problems associated with staining and to prevent the build-up of iron and manganese deposits which can collect in pipes, pressure tanks, water heaters, and water softeners. Temporary water quality issues including discolored water have been experienced in some areas of Longview, particularly in older areas of town where the distribution system is made up of cast iron and galvanized water main pipe. The City is actively working to resolve this problem and continues to flush areas of concern on a regular basis until a long term solution can be implemented.

Show All Answers

1. Why does my tap water appear to be discolored?
2. Why didn't we rebuild the Fisher's Lane water treatment plant?
3. Why didn't we stay with the Cowlitz River?
4. How long will the groundwater supply last?
5. Will the groundwater stain my laundry and household fixtures?
6. Why not move the water supply intake to a better location on the Cowlitz River or Columbia River?
7. What is in the groundwater?
8. Until how long is the groundwater supply expected to last?
9. How do I know the groundwater won’t become contaminated?
10. Where does the groundwater come from?
11. Has there been a change in the pH levels after switching to the new water source?
12. What if the water smells funny?
13. Should I consider getting a water softener?
14. What can I do about hard water?
15. How does hard water impact my life?
16. What is the City doing to reduce hardness?
17. What is the hardness of the City's new groundwater source?
18. Where do hard water minerals come from?
19. Is hard water safe?
20. What is water hardness?