Grab a white bucket. Not a clear one—white. Why? White shows yellow and orange stains like a gossipy friend.
Fill it with tap water. Let it sit for 24 hours. No cheating. Come back and stare at the bottom. If you see a rusty-orange ring, you’ve found iron. Congratulations—you’ve just done science.
Fun fact: That orange ring is actually iron oxide. Same stuff that makes Mars red. Your water bucket just became a mini planet.
The Potato Test (Yes, Really)
This one is weird. Take a raw potato. Cut it in half. Rub the cut side on a wet spot of your sink or tub. Let it sit for ten minutes.
If the potato turns black or blue-black, you’ve got iron. It’s a chemical reaction between iron and tannins in the potato. Your spud just became a water detective.
I’m not kidding. This works. It’s also a great party trick. Just warn guests before you rub potatoes on their plumbing.
