Introduction
If you’re using water from a private well, you expect this water to be clean and safe for drinking and other uses in the home. Nevertheless, many well owners occasionally experience their water supply being brown or different from the standard color. While water that is brown or discolored is generally not dangerous, it can leave deposits on sinks and discolor clothing and can make water non-potable and unfit for consumption. Knowing what leads to brown well water and how to rectify the problem will allow you to regain clear, healthy water once more.
Potential Causes
There are several potential causes for brown well water--
Broken Pipes or Well Parts
The primary reason for temporary brown water is the movement of water in the well system, which leads to the stirring of sediments.
Major causes include:
- Recent well work or pump repairs
- Turning on the faucets or flushing the toilets after some time of inactivity
- Operating garden hoses or any other equipment that requires water from the well
When the water comes in contact with the walls of the pipe, it may out with a brown hue as it collects rust, minerals, or sediment that have deposited on the inner sides of the pipe. This brown water should dissipate within a day or two leaving behind crystal clear water once the sediments have settled.
Iron and Manganese
Iron and manganese are soluble metals from rock, soil, or sediment around the well. These metals show up as brown, black or reddish colors on the surface they react with. Manganese can be black, while iron can be red/brown.
Other dissolved minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfates can also give water from a well the wrong color.
Algae Growth
Microorganism growth on the well casing or certain parts may also discolor water to yellowish-brown or greenish-brown. Algae require light for their development; therefore, the shallow wells or wells with cracks and openings that allow light penetration are the most affected.
Here are some steps to clear up brown water coming from your well:
1. Flush the System
After any disruption, turn on all the fixtures at full flow for 10-20 minutes. This will assist in eliminating sediments from the interior of the pipes to help with the flowing process.
2. Check Components
Check well parts including pipes, storage tanks, and filters for areas that may have leaked, may be damaged, or may be corroding to allow sediment or organic growth into the well. Make any needed repairs.
3. Clean the Well
For persistent cases of brown water, you might have to shock chlorinate or hire well professionals to clean the well to eliminate algae or other microorganisms. It is always advisable to seek the help of a professional when cleaning your well.
4. Install a Filter
If you want to get rid of iron, manganese, or any other dissolved minerals, then you should opt for a sediment filter, water softener, or oxidizing filter. These systems can reduce discoloration and staining issues.
5. Lower the Well Pump
If brown water has originated from the well, then it is advisable to seek the service of a professional to test the water quality at various levels. It is possible that by adjusting the pump’s position downwards or upwards, you can avoid color issues.
So the question is, when should someone call a professional?
If brown well water lasts for several days after the first time you flush this system, then it is advisable to seek the help of a professional well contractor or a water treatment specialist.
While brown water is usually harmless itself, it can signal issues like:
- Rusty pipes or pipes with cracks or openings through which sediment can enter
- Pollutants that seep through the well casing
- The microbial growth that may suggest an infection
A water quality test will determine if there are substances in the water that cause discoloration. With such information, the contractor can provide solutions such as cleaning the well, repairing the well, or even filtration to obtain clean and clear water.
Conclusion
Discovering brown water originating from the household well is quite shocking. Still, in most instances, it is not poisonous in its natural state. The most common agents are sediment, metals, and microbes. The simple ways of resolving brown well water include flushing the system, cleaning the well, repairing any damage, or installing a filter. However, if the water continues to have a brown or brownish hue, and no other particular reason is found, then it is wise to call professionals for inspection and testing of your well in order to ascertain the safety and efficiency of the well. This article has shown that even if you own a private well, you do not have to compromise on clear water by contacting professional well water treatment services that will troubleshoot and solve your problems.
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