Well water should generally be clear, so if you notice a new color coming out of your tap, call a professional to inspect your well right away. In some cases, the color of your water can provide clues about what type of well services may be needed to rectify the situation. The following is a guide to provide more information on well water discolorations.

What Can the Color of Your Well Water Tell You?

1. Rusty Colored Water

Water can appear brown or reddish due to iron in the well or rust from the pipes. Iron contamination generally isn’t harmful, but it can stain clothes and fixtures, and it can have an unappealing taste and appearance. If the problem is rust, you may only notice it in a certain part of your home, and the issue doesn’t lie in the well itself; instead it’s your water’s pH that may be causing corrosion in the pipes. Especially in old homes with lead pipes, rust in the water supply can lead to health hazards, so get it checked out right away.

2. Black or Grey Water

Black, gray, or dark brown substances in well water are often the result of suspended sediment like dirt or leaves. Often, these particles will settle at the bottom of a glass if you let it sit for a while. They’re not generally harmful, but you may want to let the water run for a few minutes so the particles can clear out. A filtration system may also help you avoid these solid particles in your drinking water.

3. Blue or Green Water

Blue or green water is often due to corrosion in copper pipes. This water can stain and present health issues if consumed, so you should stop drinking it and call a professional right away. You’ll likely need to have the corroded pipes replaced, but you should also have your well water tested. Its pH level may be too low, which often speeds up corrosion, so you may need to treat the water with a neutralizing filter or sodium injection to balance it out.

If you need any well services to prevent water issues, contact Mike Woolsey and Sons Well Drilling and Pump Service. Serving Summersville, MO, and the surrounding communities, the water pump contractor offers a variety of well services, including drilling, repair, and emergency services. The team proudly uses American made materials whenever they’re available, and they offer a five-year warranty on all of their products. To see a full array of well services, visit the company’s website. To request an estimate, call (417) 932-4036.