When you’re thirsty, nobody wants to turn on the tap and get a glass full of cloudy or murky water. Anything other than crystal-clear water will usually make you wonder whether the water is safe to drink or not. But cloudy water can be quite common if your primary water source is a well.
There are a number of common causes of cloudy well water, and thankfully some of them are mostly harmless, though others are of greater concern. So if you’re worried about what’s in your glass, be sure to carefully investigate the situation to pinpoint the cause.
Common Causes for Cloudy Well Water
- Bubbles: The most common reason for cloudy well water is actually aeration. When there’s a high concentration of air bubbles in the water, it can give it a cloudy appearance. Aeration can occur when the water is agitated, such as during heavy rainfall or changes in pressure within the well system.
- Visible Contaminants: Another common cause is particles and sediment, like silt, sand, or clay, which can get into your well during disturbances like nearby construction of heavy storms that can affect the water table levels.
- Hard water: If your water has a high mineral content, like magnesium or dissolved calcium or magnesium, this can also cause cloudiness, especially if it is agitated or heated. Hard water leads to staining on plumbing fixtures, sinks, and laundry, so look out for those tell-tale signs around the house.
- Bacteria: One cause for concern is the possibility of microbial growth, where algae, bacteria, or other microorganisms thrive in stagnant water. This could be a sign that there is a problem with the structure or piping of your well system.
Solutions for Cloudy Well Water
If you’re experiencing cloudy water, there are a few steps you should take to identify the issue and solve the problem:
- Inspect your well components, including the well casing, screen, and pump, for any signs of damage or deterioration that could introduce particles into the water.
- Conduct a water quality test to identify the specific contaminants or particles present in the water. Water testing can also provide valuable insights into addressing your area’s specific water quality issues.
- Consider installing a water filtration system that can remove any impurities from the water before it gets delivered to your glass.
Watermaker in Orangeville and Fergus offers a wide range of water filtration solutions, like Reverse Osmosis Systems, Iron Removal and Filtration Systems, UV Water Sterilisation Systems, Whole Home Systems, and Equipment Servicing. Call Watermaker today or bring in a sample of your water into one of our Orangeville or Fergus locations, so that we can help you decide which solution is best for your water situation.
