Have you noticed orange or reddish stains on your sidewalk, driveway, fence, or the side of your home? If you’re using well water for irrigation, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with irrigation staining caused by iron.
When iron-rich water is sprayed through sprinklers, it reacts with oxygen and forms rust on anything it touches. The result: ugly, stubborn stains that are difficult—and sometimes impossible—to remove. It’s frustrating, embarrassing, and potentially damaging to your property.
Why Does Irrigation Water Contain Iron?
There are two common reasons:
- Iron is naturally present in your well water. Many private wells contain dissolved iron, especially in regions with iron-rich soil or bedrock.
- The irrigation line bypasses your water treatment system. Most homes only treat water used inside the house. Lawn and garden lines are typically left untreated to avoid the cost and maintenance of softening a large volume of water.
Why Don’t People Treat Irrigation Water?
Treating all outdoor water with a traditional salt-based softener introduces several downsides:
- Salt softeners are expensive to size for irrigation volumes.
- They consume more salt and require frequent maintenance.
- They generate salty wastewater—which is wasteful and potentially harmful to plants.
- Softened irrigation water can compact soil, reduce permeability, and stress or kill sodium-sensitive grass and plants.
The Better Way to Fix Iron Staining
The solution is to remove the iron before it hits your sprinklers—and do it in a way that won’t harm your landscaping. That’s where the ICS-SIP system comes in.
This compact treatment system uses a sediment filter and PolyHalt® to remove iron and other problem contaminants—without using salt, chemicals, or electricity.
Benefits of the ICS-SIP System with PolyHalt®
With the ICS-SIP, you can prevent stains while preserving your soil and plants. It’s an efficient, low-maintenance alternative to oversized, salt-based systems. Plus, PolyHalt® doesn’t just treat iron—it also helps with hardness, silica, and manganese.
- No more rust-colored stains on siding, patios, or walkways
- Safe for lawns, gardens, and soil—no sodium damage
- Compact design fits in tight spaces
- Does not require electricity or generate wastewater
- Lower maintenance and cost compared to traditional softeners
What’s Next?
If you’re tired of fighting stains and wasting time scrubbing your concrete or replacing your mulch, it might be time to rethink how your irrigation water is treated.
The ICS-SIP iron and manganese filter system with PolyHalt® technology gives you a smart, salt-free solution that protects your home and your landscape. For a deeper look at what’s causing stains, check out our guide to iron removal.
Not sure which solution is right for your water? You can take our Filter Finder Quiz and get a personalized recommendation in under 3 minutes.
