Raw water is significant resources for industrial water usage, but this water is not directly suitable for use due to the presence of contaminants. Therefore, pre-treatment is essential. In addition, the presence of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in groundwater can result in a reddish-brown colour and undesirable taste and odour. The treatment generates water treatment residue (WTR) which consists of silt, clay and undesirable components. Most WTR is conventionally disposed of in landfill. A number of expensive and complex technologies are being used for the removal of such iron and manganese. Due to the high Al2O3 and SiO2 content in WTR, the use of WTR-based geopolymers for Fe/Mn removal is proposed in this study. With the availability of free alkali in the geopolymer framework, the OH-releasing behaviour of the WTR-based geopolymer was investigated by the precipitation of Fe(II) ion. The WTR-based geopolymer was calcined at 400°C and 600°C to obtain a strong geopolymer matrix with the ability to remove Fe/Mn ions. The results show that the WTR-based geopolymer has the potential to remove Fe from Fe-contaminated water. Hydroxide ions are released from the geopolymer and form an Fe(OH)3 precipitate. A calcination temperature of 400°C provides total removal of the Fe after 24 h of immersion. In addition, the existence of Fe(OH)3 helps to coprecipitate the Mn(OH)2 in the Fe/Mn solution leading to a significant reduction of Mn from the solution. The pH value and retention time play an important role in the final metal concentration. The final pH of the solution is close to 8.5, which is the recommended value for boiler water. This method offers an alternative use of WTR in making a porous geopolymer for groundwater Fe removal using a simple method.