Top Well Water Problems

If there is a time that well waters fear is when the water that comes out from the tap has become discolored, cloudy or foul smelling. There must be something wrong with their well.

Luckily, there is a solution to most common well water problems. Well users just need to identify the cause of these water issues so they can take action and restore water supply immediately.

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Hard Water

Hard water is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the liquid. It is very common to find hard water in the US as it affects 85% of the people who live there.

Hard Water Symptoms

  • Clothes lose their original color and feel rough;
  • Skin is dry and hair is flakey;
  • Low pressure because of the buildup of minerals in clogged pipes;
  • Buildup of scale on faucets and appliances;
  • White residue and spots on dishes and dishwashers;
  • Stains on sinks and bathtubs.

Acidic Water Well Issues

Acid rain, drainage from mining operations as well as plant decay can lower the pH level to under 7.0 pH. Low well water pH level can also be caused by low total dissolved solids or TDS.

Acidic Water Symptoms

  • Blue-green color or rust stains in sinks and bathtubs
  • In some cases, cloudy water
  • Metallic, bitter taste
  • Small leaks in plumbing
  • Worn down faucets and fixtures
  • Hydrogen Sulfide

As organic material decomposes, the flammable hydrogen sulfide enters the water. The gas can be produced by the infestation of sulfate-reducing bacteria or chemical reactions with the anode rods inside water heaters.

Hydrogen Sulfide Symptoms

  • Rotten egg smell and taste of water;
  • Stains on clothes;
  • Stains on bathroom fixtures;
  • Discoloration of silverware, brass and copper;
  • Iron and Manganese.

Iron and manganese, which are naturally found in bedrock, can dissolve in groundwater when mining operations cause a disturbance.

Iron and Manganese Symptoms

  • Black stains or specks;
  • Orange, red or brown stains on sinks, bathtubs;
  • Cloudy, orange water;
  • Bitter, metallic taste;
  • Oily water surface;
  • Grey/black staining water;

Turbidity.

Drilling, runoff or other forms of earth disturbance can let high total suspended sediment levels enter well water. High levels of sediment may show the presence of pollutants, microbial life, or oxidised metals like iron and manganese in water.

Turbidity Symptoms

  • Dirty or cloudy water

Fluoride

Fluoride occurs in all natural water in a range of amounts and can be detected by testing well water. EPA recommends a 0.7 mg/L level for fluoride but it can be higher when it comes to well water

Fluoride Symptoms

  • Dental fluorosis: Brown or dirty white stains on teeth, children in particular.

Fecal Bacteria

Fecal bacteria like E. Coli is found in human or animal waste. These can find their way to well water by means of agricultural runoff, well wall cracks or overflowing sewage lines and septic tanks.

Fecal Bacteria Contamination Symptoms

Symptoms of Fecal Bacteria Contamination

  • Gastrointestinal illness happens more often
  • Water may/may not have an odor
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