Water trough changing colour

[truandrakni]

My trough (auto fill) has in the last couple of days turned a weird red/orange colour. It's never done this before and I've also noticed in some very wet areas of the fields there is similar staining.

Google was not much help. I'm imaging some type of algae etc. I'm just curious if anyone else has this. Bailing and scrubbing in the morning anyway : )

[Mirage]

Sounds like iron staining.Are you in a hard water area?

[truandrakni]

Yes we are. It's just that I've never seen it before and have been in the same field for several years. Weather conditions I imagine are playing their part.

[SaggyOldClothCatpuss]

Any leaves blowing about? I have willow in my field which blows about and turns the ponies mouths and the water tough black! The buggers love to eat it! Maybe a different leaf would make the red colour?

[truandrakni]

Thanks for your replies.

Trough is far away from any foliage so I can rule that out. A quick google and iron staining seems to be the problem. I noticed it first in three new troughs that had been just put in other fields and then a couple of days later noticed mine. I wonder if new pipework could have unsettled things.

Will keep an eye on it. Thanks again