Water wells rely on groundwater rather than the local municipality to supply your home. They are common in rural areas, and if you have one, you should test it occasionally to check for a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and fertilizers. If you recently moved into a home with a water well, familiarize yourself with common contamination warning signs to take action as soon as possible.

4 Signs Indicating That Your Water Well Is Contaminated

1. Bad Odor

Check how your water smells. If you notice a rotten egg odor, hydrogen sulfide may be contaminating it. The naturally-occurring gas is produced from decaying organic material and appears in groundwater reserves, especially those in wetland areas. Water wells drilled near peat, shale, sandstone, and coal deposits also contain hydrogen sulfide.

Decaying flora, as well as algae, also produces odors, such as musty and fishy smells. Get your water tested for hydrogen sulfide to determine the best treatment course, such as installing a chlorination/filtration or activated carbon system.

2. Brownish Color

Don’t drink water that has taken on a brownish hue as it could have excess iron. The heavy metal can leak from the ground into your water supply, or from rusty plumbing or industrial contamination. If your well has iron contamination, you will need to get your pipes replaced or close the water source if severe industrial pollution is the culprit. If the metal comes from the ground itself, your local water treatment experts will install a sediment filter and water softener to remove ferric and ferrous iron, respectively.

3. Unpleasant Taste

Immediately test your water if it starts tasting “funny.” Unpleasant tastes have several causes, including heavy metals that give the liquid a metallic flavor as well as decaying flora and chemical contamination. Activated carbon systems treat most taste issues; however, you may also need to build up the area around your water well. The earth surrounding the source must slope downward to prevent fertilizer, motor oil, and other chemical contamination.

4. Cloudy Water

Deal with cloudy or muddy water indicating excessive sediment by first getting your pump checked. Water pumps clogged with sediment not only create cloudiness, but they also need to work extra hard to bring the water into your home. This process causes the pump to expend more energy and wear out faster. Get the pump replaced and have your local professionals check the overall cleanliness of the well.

Keep your water well in outstanding condition with the help of  Werner Well & Pump Service LLC, the family-owned company based in New Milford, CT. This fully-licensed father and son duo serve clients ranging from single-family homes to small farms and multi-million-dollar estates while providing the same level of dedication. You will relax knowing that the person who serviced your well last year will be the same person this year. Call (860) 354-0290 today to schedule an appointment or learn about products and services online.