Water clear then develops a reddish hue
Indicates a significant amount of dissolved iron in the water.
Treatment:
Small amounts of dissolved iron (and/or manganese) can be removed with a common water softener. The water softener manufacturer should have several models that list the amount of iron removal in grains per gallon.
High amounts of dissolved iron (and/or manganese) can be removed using a properly rated iron (and manganese) treatment device. Cartridge type devices are available to remove amounts of iron (and manganese) less than 5 milligrams per liter (the same as 5 parts per million).
Also see NDSU Publication AE-1031 Treatment Systems for Household Water Supplies - Softening
Always have your water tested and base any treatment on those results. Our Water Quality Interpretation Tool will aid you in your decisions.