As convenient as water wells are, they are subject to a variety of contaminants. Understanding the signs of well water contamination and taking the proper steps to prevent it helps what’s coming from your taps stay clear. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with contamination warning signs to keep yourself and other household residents healthy.

Top 5 Signs of Well Water Contamination

1. Cloudiness

Cloudiness indicates one of several issues, such as excessive mineral content or contamination from dirt, clay, sand, and or organic matter. It can also point to trapped air bubbles; however, the water will clear quickly when this is the case. If your well water is cloudy, get the well pump and filter checked to prevent further contamination. Also, inspect the area surrounding your well, as cloudiness may be due to surface water intrusion.

2. Oil or Gas Odor

Oil and gas odors tell you well water is contaminated with either of these liquids or other semi-volatile compounds. Keep gasoline and oil containers along with all other chemicals as far away from your well as possible and ensure the soil surrounding your well does not invite hazardous liquid infiltration. It should slope down and away from the water source.

3. Metallic Taste

Well water with a metallic taste signals copper contamination from corroded pipes, an issue that can cause kidney and liver damage, digestion problems, and anemia. Blue-green stains on sinks and fixtures can also appear when your water is contaminated with the metal. You will probably need to get your pipes replaced.

4. Brownish/Orange Color

Too much manganese or iron causes well water to turn a brownish-orange color. This issue often indicates corroding pipes. Discolored water of any kind is cause for serious concern; call your local water company to determine the reason and devise a solution. 

5. Sweet or Rotten Egg Odor

That rotten egg odor tells you hydrogen sulfide or sulfate — the two forms of sulfur — has contaminated your water. While both are relatively harmless, they can cause intestinal issues and pain in high amounts. Overly sweet water indicates the presence of semi-volatile or volatile organic compounds. If either of these issues affects your well water, schedule professional inspection and repair services.

Keep your well water clear and odor-free with services from Evergreen Well Drilling, the well maintenance serving Shelton, WA, and Mason County. Whether you need well drilling, testing, or maintenance and repair, you can count on this team to provide the thorough solutions you need. All work comes with a warranty and satisfaction guarantee. Call (360) 426-3545 today to make an appointment or visit the business online for service details.