Smelly well water

We live in Northern Ontario and are on well water. About a month ago the water became smelly. It smells no matter if it is Hot or Cold. We got a new Water Pressure tank with a bladder (went from a 15 gallon tank to a 80 gallon tank)about a month and a half ago. Any ideas on why the water became this way and how to correct it?

 

If the odor isn't caused by chemicals, it is always caused by bacteria whether harmful or nonharmful but mostly nonharmful types. Storing so much water at room temp instead of groundwater temp may be causing bacteria growth. Or the odor has nothing to do with the new larger tank. Have a couple water treatment dealers local to your area come out and get their input.

Gary
Quality Water Associates

 

We have had the same problem. We ended up what is called "shocking the system". We turned off the power to the pump. we removed the cap to the well and poured about 3 gallons of chlorine bleech down the well openning. We then pourd 3 gallons of clean water, to rinse off the pump. we put the top back on and turned on the power and ran water to the outside faucetrs untill we smelled bleech. then we turned on inside faucets untill we smaelled bleech. I should add that we did turn off the water supply to the hot water heater.

After this we went away for about 8 hours to let the bleech take full affect.

Upon return we turned on the out side facets connected to a hose and ran the water to a nearby woods so as to not hurt the septic system or the grass. we let it run untill the bleech smell went away. we then flushed the inside faucets including the toilets. Turning back on the water heater supply after all this is done. The smell was better for about a year and now is back. I am told anytime you open the system, such as repacing the pressure tank you introduce air which can cause the bacteria smell.

We will do this again in the spring. You might nhave a problem doing this in Northern Ontario during the winter as well.

Good Luck I hope this helps.

 

Hi folks
- I'd highly recommend that you read Gary Slusser's comments in "Coliform in well water". (down about 5-7 items). This certainly has me re-thinking the 'shock' process.

 

This is why I always try to use an air tank on the wells over a bladder kind. Have you looked into an odor oxidizer tank there. I know it sure helps down here. Home depot has the small pumps that will put a light chlorine set up in to the water as you use it. that works also.

ED

 

This is a water quality issue, not a well problem.

Air over water type pressure tanks will usually make the problem worse plus add the need to periodically replenish the air as it is absorbed into the water. The usual problem is discolored/dirty water which causes another problem; the need for filtration, so the better choice is a filter to remove the (usuall) cause of the odor, H2S (sulfur). That 'filter' or equipment may or may not include aeration; which can not be used in all cases due to other parameters in the water. So my advice is to call in a water treatment dealer to evaluate your situation or find someone on the internet that will help you analize the problem and suggest equipment.

Gary
Quality Water Associates