Cloudy With A Chance Of Problems: 4 Reasons Why Your Well Water Isn't As Clear As It Should Be

Posted on: 23 November 2020

If your well has started producing cloudy water, it's time to get to the root of the problem. Well water should never be cloudy. When it is, you need to tackle some troubleshooting as soon as possible. With a few steps, you can identify the cause of the cloudiness. Here are just four reasons why your well water isn't as clear as it should be.

Well Pump Has Malfunctioned

If your well is pulling up cloudy water, the first thing you should do is test the pump. If your well pump isn't working properly, you could start losing clarity in your water. When your well pump is working properly, it will work to filter out any sediment that might be in the water. The result is a crystal clear glass of water. Unfortunately, once the pump stops working, it can't remove enough sediment to clean the water. To maintain a clean water supply, have your pump serviced at the first sign of cloudiness.

Well Water Level Has Decreased

If you can see dark sand or sediment floating in your water, but the well pump seems to be working properly, there's a good chance that the water supply has decreased to a dangerous level. When the water supply runs low, pumps tend to pull up sediment from the bottom of the well. If that's happening, it's important that you have your well serviced as soon as possible. 

Rain Water Has Seeped Into the Well

If you're dealing with cloudy water, but there doesn't seem to be a mechanical cause for the problem, it's time to take a closer look at the well itself. This is especially true if you've recently had severe rainstorms come through the area. When your well is in good condition, rainwater shouldn't have an effect on your water supply. But, if your well has a leak, it's possible that rainwater has seeped in through the walls. If you've had a series of rainstorms come through your area, and you now have cloudy water, you'll need to have your well inspected for leaks. 

Septic Liquids Have Infiltrated the Well

If you've got cloudy water coming through your faucets, and you haven't been able to identify the problem, you need to start considering the condition of nearby septic systems. This is especially true if your water also has a foul odor. When septic tanks fail, they can release raw sewage into the groundwater supply. Raw sewage can leave your well water looking cloudy and smelling foul. Unfortunately, it can also leave your well water contaminated and unsafe for human consumption. If a nearby septic system has failed, you'll need to have your well repaired and sanitized immediately.

For more information, contact a water well system repair service.

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