When you turn on the tap, you expect to see clear, fresh water come out. If your well water is instead cloudy, you might be a little concerned. Cloudy well water is not usually an emergency, but it can be a sign that something's not quite right. Take a look at three common causes of cloudy well water and some advice for addressing each one.

Sediment

One possibility is that the cloudiness you see is actually tiny pieces of solids, or sediment, in the water. To tell whether sediment is making your well water cloudy, leave a glass of water on the counter overnight. If in the morning you see some solids at the bottom of the glass, then you know sediment has found its way into your well water.

Sediment can end up in well water through a few ways. Your well pump might be set too low, causing it to pick up sand from the bottom of the well. This is a common problem in older wells. A well repair company can move the pump up, which should clear up your water.

Sediment can also mean that your well screen has broken down. The well screen, also known as the casing, should keep sand and grit away from the pump. If it deteriorates or develops holes, it may stop doing its job. A well repair company can generally replace a worn casing.

Dissolved Gases

If your water is clear after sitting out all night but no sediment is in the bottom of the glass, then the cloudiness was probably from dissolved gasses. Three gases can make well water look cloudy.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide may appear in your well water after a change in temperature. It is not an immediate cause for concern. However, it does make your water more acidic and more likely to corrode your plumbing over time.

Sulfur

Sulfur is present in the groundwater in some areas. Not only does it make water cloudy, but it also has a distinct, rotten eggs smell. It's generally harmless, but this could mean certain bacteria are present in your well. If you suspect sulfur has made your well water cloudy, test the water.

Methane

Methane is a gas in well water from wells near landfills, wetlands, and natural gas sources. If your water is cloudy due to methane, you'll often hear a fizzing or bubbling noise as the gas dissipates. At low levels, methane is not a cause for concern, but at higher levels, it makes the water flammable. Have your well repair company come take a look if you suspect methane is in your water.

Manganese and Iron

Manganese and iron are two minerals that sometimes appear in water from deep wells. These minerals usually occur together, and they can make well water look cloudy. Other signs of high manganese and iron concentrations in well water include:

Manganese and iron are not threats to your health, but the staining they cause can be bothersome. The easiest way to remove manganese and iron from well water is often with a water softener. If your water has a high enough pH, you may be able to remove the minerals with a filter.

If your well water is cloudy, call a professional well company. They can take a look and determine the likely cause of the cloudiness, saving you a lot of headaches and concern. If you need a well company in the Atlanta Metro Area, contact Brown & Cox . We have more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and our expert technicians are just a call away.