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Well water is the second most common source of water for both private homes and centralized water systems in populated areas.
We’ve previously discussed groundwater issues in centralized water supply systems, and today we will answer key questions that arise for users of small household wells.
Why is the water from the well cloudy?
Groundwater is classified based on the layers it occupies. Certain layers, especially shallow ones, can cause turbidity. A well drilled deep enough usually avoids these issues. Cloudy water can also occur after drilling or if the well has been unused for a long time. These problems are resolved by flushing the well.
If you're interested in how to clear cloudy well water, check out the material on turbidity.
Why is well water hard?
The hardness of groundwater is due to the presence of soluble minerals, such as calcium and magnesium carbonates. These minerals dissolve into the water as it passes through certain layers.
Why does well water leave rust or black stains on surfaces?
The common impurities in well water are iron and manganese. These elements are not usually found in surface waters, as they oxidize and settle out quickly when exposed to air. On surfaces, iron forms rust (reddish stains), and manganese forms black stains.
Why does well water turn yellow when heated?
This is caused by divalent iron in the water. When heated, the oxidation reaction speeds up, and small particles of iron precipitate, giving the water a yellow tint.
Why is black water coming from the well?
This could indicate water contamination with clay or silt, especially after rain or snowmelt, or due to a leak in the well pipe. Sometimes, black water is caused by high levels of iron or manganese.
Why does the well water smell like sewage?
Musty or rotten smells indicate microbial contamination, often due to sewage infiltration or bacterial growth in the well. Flushing and disinfecting the well can solve the issue.
Why does the water smell like sulfur?
The smell of rotten eggs indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide. This gas quickly oxidizes in the air, and the issue can be resolved with storage tanks or catalytic carbon filters.
Why is well water oily?
An oily film on water may indicate organic contamination. Causes include leaks from the pump’s oil radiator or contamination with fuels like diesel or gasoline.
Why is well water sweet?
A sweet taste can be caused by the presence of soda or nitrates, which are often found in wells and shallow boreholes.
How to purify well water?
The best solution is installing a comprehensive water treatment system, including filters for removing iron, manganese, clay, and other impurities, as well as a UV lamp to protect against microbial growth. A reverse osmosis system can ensure high-quality drinking water.
Filters for mechanical purification of water from large particles such as clay, sand, etc. Depending on system capacity and water turbidity, different types of filters can be used: cartridge, backwashing, or bulk systems.Iron removal filters for well water can treat iron, manganese, hardness salts, and organic matter. Thanks to the unique Ecomix material from Ecosoft, one filter can solve these issues. For hydrogen sulfide contamination, special filters are available. UV lamp ensures microbiological protection.A triple filter or reverse osmosis system provides drinking water of suitable quality.
Resources:
- Haidash, Sofiya Oleksandrivna, and V. Yu. Kaulin. "Study of Iron Content in the Water of DonNTU Well." Chemical Problems of Today (2019): 156-156.
- Vozna, Ivanna, et al. "Biological Methods of Groundwater Purification from Iron Ions." Editorial Board (2018): 62.
- Bezpaly, V. V., and T. O. Shevchenko. "Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Water Intended for Drinking Purposes." 23-23.
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