Causes Of Discolored Or Off-Taste Well Water
Well water is known for having a variety of tastes and colors that can be completely harmless. Well water tends to contain high amounts of minerals, for example, that can change the taste or color of the potable water. However, if your well water has a change in color or taste, that's when you might suspect that something is off. Here are some possible contaminants:
Chemical Runoff
Check to see if there are any alerts about local chemical spills. Chemicals that spill and seep into groundwater can easily get into your water supply. You might notice them through taste or color, but many chemicals are invisible to the naked eye. Water testing is important in this situation.
Excessive Minerals
Excessive minerals can contaminate water if part of the water well equipment is rusted. You might suspect this if your water is exceptionally red or rust colored. The taste of iron would be strong in water that contains excessive minerals. This is likely something for a water well repair specialist to look at. Not only would this water be unpleasant to consume, but it may give you excess amounts of iron, which can be fatal.
Bacteria
Bacteria in water may change the color or consistency of water, making it cloudy. Bacteria can get into a well that isn't sealed correctly. Also, if a flood occurs, it may affect nearby septic tanks, making their sewage overflow into the groundwater. Floods that change the level of the water table can drag all sorts of bacteria out of their natural habitat and into a water supply. After a flood, check the condition of your well and see if any water has pooled near it.
Sediment
Sediment is common to well water. It can be a health hazard, but it often is more of a cosmetic issue. A good water filter should do the trick.
The causes of contaminated well water are many. They can be things that are out of your control, such as chemical spills or floods. However, water quality control is within your reach. For one, be sure you are regularly testing well water to catch sneaky contaminants that you may not notice through taste or smell. Be sure your well and pump are in good repair, and have a water well repair specialist do regular inspections and preventative maintenance. After all, this is your water supply in question; a bit of caution and early action could save your life, or at least improve your health.
To learn more, contact a company like Elk Point Drilling Corp.