BART Iron-Reducing and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Test

Iron Bacteria presents many problems, so determining its presence is crucial to appropriate treatment. Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB) causes aesthetic problems with the water, such as taste, odor, and staining of laundry and fixtures. The most common indication of iron bacteria in the water supply is a reddish-brown or yellowish gelatinous slime in water tanks, faucets, toilet tanks, and plumbing. These nuisance bacteria may cause corrosion to treatment equipment, clog screens and pipes, and have a foul odor. Here are a few of the common problems associated with Iron Reducing Bacteria: TASTES AND ODORS - Iron bacteria often produce unpleasant tastes and odors commonly reported as: "swampy," "oily or petroleum," "cucumber," "sewage," "rotten vegetation," or "musty." The taste or odor may be more noticeable after the water has not been used for some time. Iron bacteria do not produce hydrogen sulfide, the "rotten egg" smell, but do create an environment where sulfur bacteria can grow and p