If you have a well that supplies your home with water and have become used to your well water's relatively clear appearance, then you may feel alarmed if your well water suddenly appears cloudy. While most causes of well water cloudiness are no cause for alarm, others can be health hazards that you need to correct. Read on to learn about three common causes of cloudy well water and their solutions. 1. Air Bubbles or Dissolved Gases in Water One cause of cloudy well water is the presence of air or dissolved gas bubbles in your water. When many small air or gas bubbles are present in water, well water can take on a surprisingly cloudy appearance. When your well water level drops very low, your main well pump can begin pumping a mixture of water and air into your home taps. To solve this problem, monitor the water level in your well and make an effort to reduce your home water consumption when your well water level begins to drop. Other well devices, such as water filters, must introduce air into well water as they treat it. If you just installed a new well water purification device, then the bubbles in your water are likely due to the new device and no cause for alarm. These bubbles can also signal the presence of natural gases in your water. Methane is the most common natural gas found in well water, and it is typically harmless when just a small amount is present. However, if the methane content of your well is higher than 28mg/L , then the gas can pose a risk of explosion. If you notice that your well water is filled with tiny bubbles when it comes out of your home taps, have your well water tested for presence of dangerous dissolved gases to obtain peace of mind that your water is safe for your family to use and consume. 2. High Water Sediment Level Cloudy well water can also signal a high sediment level in the water. To test for excess sediment, fill a glass with well water and then let it sit for several hours. If you then find debris at the bottom of the glass, then your water cloudiness is likely due to excess water sediment. Most water contains trace amounts of sediment, and this sediment is no cause for alarm. The sediment level of your well could increase suddenly after surface water leaks or if your well's groundwater becomes contaminated due to nearby drilling. Alternatively, a problem could have developed with your well's water filtration system. If you suspect that the sediment level of your well water increased, then have a well expert examine your well water filtration system. If they find that your existing filter does not meet your water filtration needs, then they may recommend installation of an additional filter or an upgrade of your current one. 3. Excess Iron or Manganese Content Another cause of cloudy well water is the presence of excess iron or manganese. These harmless minerals can suddenly enter your well water when the bedrock in or near your groundwater supply is disturbed by mining. Water than contains excess iron or manganese can also have a metallic taste, slight grey appearance, or black flecks in it. While not a health hazard, this excess mineral content can make water appear unsightly and make it difficult to get clothing clean in the washing machine. A special well filter can remove excess iron while excess manganese can be removed from well water with a chemical water treatment. If your well water suddenly appears cloudy, then there are several possible causes of this cloudiness. Contact the well experts at Action Well and Pump today to have an expert determine the cause of your well water problem and make needed well equipment adjustments to solve the problem.