Many people living in the United States don’t worry about the safety of their water systems because there are plenty of regulations and standards in effect for public drinking water.

State and federal standards are in place to help safeguard public drinking water, but nearly 20 percent of well-water in the United States is plagued with at least one contaminant at a level of concern.

It’s easier for contamination to happen in private wells because responsibility for water treatment and testing lies with the homeowner.

9 Signs You Need Well Water Treatment

Most water flowing into your home contains more than just H20.

Well water can contain minerals, impurities, contaminants, and microorganisms. While these trace amounts don’t typically post health concerns, if you spot any of these significant changes or oddities, it might be time for well water treatment services.

While trace amounts don’t typically post health concerns, if you spot any significant changes or oddities, it might be time for well water treatment or services.

1. Change in smell or unusual smell

Odors in your drinking water can have several causes, the most common of which is hydrogen sulfide, which results in the very recognizable egg smell.

This smell can sometimes be associated with either hot or cold water in particular. Other odors might be caused by certain species of algae, which can cause fishy or moldy smells.

Potent smelling water is often due to decaying flora and you can treat this with activated carbon.

2. Change in taste or unusual taste

Some factors that might contribute to unpleasant tastes in your well water can include metallic compounds, magnesium chloride, and magnesium bicarbonate, to name a few.

Issues with taste in well water can be a reaction to chemicals from past well water treatment, derivatives from nearby industrial activity, or can have originated within the well organically.

Once again, change in taste can be cleared up with well water treatment in the form of activated carbon.

3. Change in appearance or unusual appearance

Murky or discolored water can be a sign of a few different issues from mud entering the pump to metallic chemicals standing in your well water.

If your water looks red, blue/green, yellow, or white you should have a well water treatment to balance out the composition of your well water and make it safer and more pleasant to drink and use in your home.

4. Health problems

If you notice intestinal issues or any other persistent health concern in those drinking your well water, contact a professional immediately and, in the meantime, drink something else.

Agricultural runoff including nitrates can cause some issues in children and pregnant women and is common in rural wells.

Since nitrates have no color, odor, or taste, if you are in a rural area or suspect agricultural runoff has entered your well, you should have your well tested for nitrates to make sure that it’s safe for you and your family.

5. Stained sinks, tubs, and laundry

Wells can frequently contain too much iron in their water, and this results in rust colored stains in your fixtures.

In addition, you might see your laundry and even your ice cubes begin to take on yellowish stains. Iron in your well can also cause a metallic taste, and, depending on how it’s used, can create a variety of different colored stains from yellow to black.

If you struggle to achieve that pearly shine lately, it might be time for a sediment filter well water treatment.

6. Moans and groans

If your pipes are moaning and groaning, or if your well pump is making a loud humming, grinding, or even growling noises, there might be problems with your pump or plumbing.

If this is the case, you should contact a professional to come check things out ASAP to avoid permanent damage.

7. Residue left behind

Hard water is basically water containing excess calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Hard water can leave a thick film on shower walls and dishes, and can stiffen laundry. Hard water can clog not only your pipes but your coffee maker, washing machine, and other appliances due to its notorious and difficult to manage residue.

You may even notice a residue left behind on your hair, making it feel sticky or look dull. Water softeners have much success in decreasing hardness and water scale.

8. Spike in electricity bill

Well water pumps can wear out or become blocked, both of which makes the system work much harder than before. This can result in a noticeably higher power cost.

This can result in a noticeably higher power cost.

Sometimes the only issue is a lower water level, meaning you need to lower your pump slightly to work effectively.

9. Sputtering faucets

We’ve all seen it in movies and old houses, but sputtering faucets are actually completely resolvable!

If it takes a moment for your water to run smoothly after you turn on your faucets, it probably means that there is air in your plumbing system.

If it happens regularly or if the problem is getting worse, it can mean that your well pump needs servicing by a professional.

Wrapping up

Well water provides many advantages like never having to pay a water bill! However, wells can still go awry and wreak havoc on your health, your appliances, and your laundry.

A professional well water treatment service provider can check your well for physical and chemical signs of contamination and can help identify the best treatment options.

Regardless of any of these signs, you should test your well every year for everything from bacteria to pH levels. If, before a year is up, you suspect contaminants, don’t hesitate to have it tested more often.

We know you don’t want to take any chances with your water supply, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of our free water analysis to find out the easy way if it’s time for well water treatment or service.