Question

explain to the people of westfield how the rust in their water formed.

Explanation:

Rust in water forms when iron-containing pipes or fixtures react with oxygen and water through a chemical oxidation process. First, iron ($\text{Fe}$) in the metal combines with oxygen from air dissolved in water and water molecules to form iron(II) hydroxide. This compound then reacts further with more oxygen and water to form iron(III) hydroxide, which dehydrates to become the reddish-brown iron(III) oxide-hydroxide ($\text{FeO(OH)}$) or iron(III) oxide ($\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3$) that we recognize as rust. Over time, small particles of this rust break off from the pipes and mix into the water supply.

Answer:

Rust in your water forms through a chemical reaction involving the iron in your water pipes, oxygen, and water:

1. Iron from pipes reacts with dissolved oxygen and water to form iron(II) hydroxide: $\text{2Fe} + \text{O}_2 + \text{2H}_2\text{O}

ightarrow \text{2Fe(OH)}_2$

1. Iron(II) hydroxide reacts with more oxygen and water to form iron(III) hydroxide: $\text{4Fe(OH)}_2 + \text{O}_2 + \text{2H}_2\text{O}

ightarrow \text{4Fe(OH)}_3$

1. The iron(III) hydroxide dehydrates into reddish-brown rust (iron(III) oxide-hydroxide/oxide): $\text{Fe(OH)}_3

ightarrow \text{FeO(OH)} + \text{H}_2\text{O}$ (or $\text{2Fe(OH)}_3
ightarrow \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{3H}_2\text{O}$)
These rust particles break off from pipe walls and mix into your drinking water.