A natural and organic material, tannin can be found in both water and wine. Tannin in water is the result of a natural break down in decaying vegetation. Created when water passes through partially decomposed plant material, tannin causes your water to turn a light-yellow color. Although it does not pose any health concerns from consumption, it will leave your water with an unsightly color that can stain your tub, dishes, and laundry. 

Testing for Tannin

Tannin is more common in private water wells that are sourced by underground reservoirs, than public water sources. While water discoloration can be the result of several factors, there is a simple way to determine if tannin is the culprit: Fill a clear glass with water and let it sit overnight. If the entire glass of water remains discolored, then tannin is to blame. However, if you notice that the discolored water is resting on the bottom of the glass, it may be due to iron or manganese. While testing for tannin is important, you may also want to test for a few other substances such as: 

• Iron
• Sulfates
• Alkalinity
• Hardness 

While it may be necessary to test for these substances, the most important of them is iron. This is because iron can create a false positive for tannin. You must eliminate the possibly of iron before you can truly test for tannin. 

Removing Tannin from Your Water

Once you have found the presence of tannin in your water, it is recommended to use a water softener as a pre-treatment to anion exchange resin — because the resin is sensitive to water hardness. The use of a water softener will prolong the anion resin and increase the tannin removal if and when there is hard water. The anion exchange resin needs to be regenerated on occasion with saltwater in order to improve the efficiency of the resin. Using this system can also bring changes to the chloride, alkalinity, and sulfate levels that are present in your water. With that being said, it is important to keep an eye on these systems once they are put in place. 

You can also use the method of oxidation and filtration to remove tannins from water. Although not as simple as using anion resin, it can still be used in order to fix any tea-like water color. 

South Florida’s Tannin-Reducing Water Treatment Supplier

At Domer’s Inc., we have proudly served the residents and businesses in Okeechobee, Florida since 1926. Using high-quality products and reliable work, Domer’s is the perfect place to find all of your water needs from well drilling to effective tannin-eliminating water filtration services. Using our 90 years of experience, we can analyze your water systems and help make the right decision on how to fix your tannin problem. Visit our hardware store or give us a call to learn more about our services at 863-763-3417.