Water softening is definitely required then, not to mention a decent filter for the tap. Iron is noxious. I heard somewhere recently that, over the long term, it causes the arteries to thin, which is pretty scary as side-effects go.

We get the crust effect, too, but because of too much lime, not iron. Still, it's a pain when it builds up in the faucets and kettles. And nothing, but nothing, will scrub it off a shower curtain. Not even vinegar, which usually dissolves everything like that.