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.
