Well Water Quality & Tap Water Issues FAQs in Ortonville, MI

What Are Common Well Water Contaminants?

Typical contaminants found in well water include dissolved magnesium and calcium causing hard water, elevated levels of salt or iron, methane gas which may emit a rotten egg smell, traces of oil from spills or leaks, bacteria often originating from septic tanks, runoff from barnyards, pesticides, fertilizers, and possible contamination from nearby abandoned wells.

These contaminants affect the quality and safety of well water, highlighting the importance of regular testing and appropriate filtration measures to ensure the water remains clean and suitable for consumption.

What Are the Signs of Well Water Contamination?

Unfortunately, all water sources, whether a public water system or bottled water, can get contaminated. That being said, each contamination has telltale signs that will prevent health problems. Signs of well water contamination include:

• Unusual Color: Discoloration or cloudiness in the water, such as brown, red, or yellow hues, may indicate the presence of contaminants.
• Foul Odor or Taste: Water with a strong, unpleasant odor or taste, such as a rotten egg smell (indicative of hydrogen sulfide gas) or a metallic taste (suggestive of elevated metal concentrations), may be contaminated.
• Presence of Sediment or Particles: A high concentration of visible particles or sediment in the water can signal contamination or issues with sediment buildup in the well or pipes.
• Changes in Water Quality: Sudden changes in water quality, such as increased hardness, acidity, or alkalinity, may indicate contamination from external sources or changes in groundwater conditions.
• Health Symptoms: Illnesses or health effects such as gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, or respiratory problems among individuals who consume or come into contact with the water could indicate waterborne contaminants.
• Unexplained Changes in Water Test Results: Testing your water samples consistently monitors its quality. Any unexplained changes or fluctuations in water test results, including the presence of bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, or other contaminants, should be investigated.
• Nearby Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, or proximity to sources of pollution (septic tanks, leaking plumbing systems, improper plumbing fixtures, or landfills) may increase the risk of well water contamination and should be considered when assessing water quality.

Do you need to call a well company or should you do it yourself?

Some problems occur over time with the natural wear and tear of your water pump system, however, if you notice a difference in your water that is likely related to a recent change in your water pump system and needs to be addressed quickly by a professional.

Why Does My Water Taste Salty?

If you’ve noticed that your water has started tasting salty it could be due to road salting in your area. In some cases, the road commission will store salt in an inappropriate area and the runoff can impact your well. In other cases, an improperly located water well that is downslope from the road could be the cause. You may be able to provide better road drainage to keep your current well in place, we’ll survey the situation and help to determine the best course of action.

Is Well Water Safe to Drink?

Whether well water is safe to drink depends on various factors, such as the quality of the well, the surrounding environment, and potential contaminants in your water source. While many people rely on well water for their drinking supply, it can be safe when properly maintained and tested regularly, but it also has risks.

Well water can be contaminated by various pollutants, including bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals, which may pose health risks if consumed without proper treatment. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals who use well water to regularly test it for contaminants and take appropriate measures, such as installing water filtration systems or treating the water as necessary to ensure its safety for drinking.

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low All of a Sudden?

Possible causes include a poor aquifer, low water level, or an encrusted well pump or screen. The aquifer is the area below ground where water flows between rocks, improper placement and depth of your well can cause a slower flow of water, if you’ve been noticing this problem for awhile you may need a deeper well. If your water problem started recently, it likely means your system needs to be cleaned by a well drilling company.

What Causes Sulfur Smell in Well Water?

This unpleasant rotten egg odor is usually caused by methane in the earth's bedrock layer near your water well system. A few ways to fix this situation include drilling a new well in a different area, aerating the water, installing a water treatment system, and installing a vent. With our years of experience and interest in the latest technologies and techniques, we can help you find the best way to fix your stinky water.

How to Remove Odor From Your Well Water?

Effective methods to eliminate odor from well water include filtration, shock chlorination, aeration, hydrogen peroxide injection, and UV disinfection. Activated carbon filtration systems remove organic compounds and chlorine, while shock chlorination targets odor-causing bacteria.

Aeration systems expose water to air, releasing volatile compounds like hydrogen sulfide gas, and hydrogen peroxide injection oxidizes sulfur compounds to eliminate foul odors. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and disinfection, prevents contaminant buildup and minimizes odors. Consulting our water treatment professionals can identify the specific cause of the odor and determine the most suitable treatment method for your well water.

Why Is My Water Red/Black/Purple?

Discoloration of water, whether red, black, or purple, can signify various underlying issues. Reddish water often indicates elevated iron levels or sediment buildup in pipes. Similarly, black water may result from high manganese levels or decaying organic matter. Purple water could result from certain types of corrosion, leading to manganese contamination.

Regardless of the color, discoloration suggests potential water quality concerns that warrant immediate attention. This may involve flushing the system, installing filtration or treatment systems, or conducting further investigations to address the underlying causes of the discoloration and ensure the water is suitable for use.

Contact Mike LaLone Today for Clean Well Water in Michigan

Don't be afraid if your water has gone from crystal clear to bright and colorful! Call us today and get your drinking water back to normal quickly. Bacteria, sewage, nearby contaminants, iron, manganese, sulfur, and sulfide have all been found in residential water wells. We offer testing to determine the contaminants in your water and to determine the cause before providing a complete estimate.

Water problems can be scary; we drink the water in our homes, bathe in it, and wash our hands and dishes. Call us today at 866.620.0550 to ensure your home's water is clean and safe.