Discolored water from well after significant rain
#1
12-17-18, 05:42 AM
Discolored water from well after significant rain
I have owned my home for one year and have noticed that the water has a slight brown tint after decent rain. I am guessing that the ground is over saturated, so it can no longer filter particles and it's causing sand/dirt to get into the well. What type of filtration do you recommned that I install to trap the dirt/sand before it wrecks everything? From what I am being told, we have received higher than typical rainfalls. I am located in Southern Maryland, so it's not uncommon to have plenty of rain.
#2
12-17-18, 06:46 AM
Member
slight brown tint after decent rain
Try the test below! If dirt/sand that should settle out pretty quick!
Tannins are a natural organic material that can be the byproducts of nature's fermentation process, be created as water passes through peaty soil and decaying vegetation. This can cause water to have a faint yellow to tea-like color, and can cause yellow staining on fabrics, fixtures, china and laundry.
A simple test for tannins involves filling a clear glass with water and letting it sit overnight. If the color settles to the bottom of the glass, the discoloration is most likely caused by iron and/or manganese and not tannins. If the intensity of the color remains intact, it is most likely caused by tannins.
#3
12-17-18, 07:00 AM
Thank you for the information. I will give this a shot. A co-worker mentioned that he thinks I may have a crack in my casing. I called a local pump & well company. They told me that I shouldn't have ground water mixed into my well, so they think it may be caused by a cracked casing as well. I will do the check that you provided as well as check the casing to see if I notice any visible cracks.
#4
12-17-18, 08:04 AM
Group Moderator
Do you know how deep your well is and how old? Your water shouldn't be changing as a result of rain. If you are getting changes after heavy rain it's a strong indication that surface water is infiltrating the well. This is more common with old, shallow wells and in coastal areas. I would contact your local Health or Environmental Services Dept. and have your well water tested for contamination. If your water changes after a rain it can mean that surface contaminates are entering the well.
#5
12-26-18, 11:09 AM
After looking at the well cap, I found out that the well company that a co-worker recommended is the same company that drilled the well. I found out that it was drilled in 1989 at a depth of 400+ feet. The pump is sitting somewhere around 200+ feet. They were able to get someone to stop by and take a look. It appears that the well casing is cracked in the area where the water line connects to the casing. I was quoted $1350 for the company to come out and make the necessary repairs.
#6
12-26-18, 11:34 AM
Group Moderator
Steel is no longer permitted in my county for well casings. Many parts of the county have soils that are pretty corrosive and can rust through steel casings in as few as 8 years. Now our wells have PVC well casings. It's also common to sleeve older, steel cased wells with plastic/PVC to stop surface water from entering after the steel casing has rusted through.
