A residential water well can be a reliable source of water for drinking, doing laundry, and cooking. Because you don’t have to pay municipal service fees, it’s also a more affordable solution for providing household water. However, your family’s health could be at risk if the water is dirty. The following are common symptoms of contaminated well water that requires maintenance.

Is Your Residential Water Well Contaminated?

1. Discoloration

You can often tell that something is wrong with your water the moment you see it come out of the tap. High iron content could cause the water to become brownish or rust-colored. Turbidity, or cloudiness, could also be indicative of chemicals or pathogens that have gotten into your water supply. Yellow water might even be the result of chromium-6, a dangerous chemical that has been linked to cancer.

2. Foul Odor

Clean water is odorless — so something is wrong if you notice an unusual smell. While water wells are unlikely to experience excess levels of chlorine, you should watch out for rotten or fishy smells. A rotten egg scent indicates hydrogen sulfide is present, which could lead to diarrhea and dehydration. Fishy smells are linked with raised cadmium or barium levels, which can contribute to heart problems.

3. Unusual Taste

If you notice a sudden change in how your water tastes, it is well worth investigating. Excess minerals or bacteria may require the installation of a home filter. Your well system also needs a deep cleaning to maintain sanitary conditions.

If you need help caring for your residential water well, contact John D Hughes Wells and Pumps in Enterprise, AL. With over 60 years of experience, their team understands proper drilling techniques and uses state of the art equipment to deliver high-quality results. To learn more about their products and water well services or to schedule a consultation, call (334) 347-9757.