The well water you use for drinking should be kept as clean as possible, but what if you find some black sediment in well water after taking every precaution? What causes the black sediment in well water, and how can you get over it once and for all?
If you are struggling for the same and looking for the answers, read this piece of information with utmost attention, and you will be able to tackle the problem in an efficient manner.
Black sediments can be anything from minerals, soil, organic matter such as decomposed plants, or it can also be human waste. Whatever it is, it makes the well water contaminated and unsafe for consumption.
Black sediments may be present in such a quantity that it makes it hard for the sediment filters to work at their best. Moreover, contaminated water can create serious health issues.
For that reason, and to ensure water is safe for drinking, you must know the cause behind black sediment and how you can fix this.
What causes black sediment in well water?
As wells are drilled to reach underground aquifers, it is common to see black sediments flow throughout your plumbing system and into your home. But you should avoid drinking water if there are any pollutants that you can see. It’s important to know what causes this black sediment to form in well water because only then you can apply the appropriate solution.
There are various elements that cause the black sediment to form in well water. The major causes include the following.
Minerals
There are various types of minerals found naturally in groundwater; a few of them which affect the water if present in excess quantity. You can take the example of iron bacteria in well water. Iron is an element that often causes your water to turn brown, and if it’s not treated, it forms black sediments.
Remember that the presence of iron may not be directly harmful to your health, but it helps grow other harmful bacteria and also disrupt the plumbing system.
If it is minerals causing the black sediments, you need to treat the well water before use.
Silt
If your well is newly constructed or it hasn’t been repaired for a long time, the dirt and the silt buildup over time, and as a result, you get the polluted water coming out of the faucets. It’s nothing but the soil or the mud that is present in well water.
It depends on concentration if you can use the muddy or not; however, it is suggested not to use and get the well water filtered for such impurities.
In case it is newly constructed, let the water flow until it gets clear. In most cases, it will help, and there is nothing to be worried about.
Rust and corrosion
If you have got rusting in any part of the plumbing system or the well, you will often see the particles coming along with water. Rusting can be anywhere in your pipes, fixtures, or any other parts; it keeps spreading over time, and if not treated, it creates a huge problem.
Damaged well
There will be black sediments in the well water if the well is broken or damaged from any point. It can be ceiling, cover, or anything else; you should get it inspected and repair what seems necessary.
Earthquakes or heavy rainfall also cause disruption in the well system and lead the sediments to flow in water lines.
Organic matter
If any organic elements find their way to the well, it will start decomposing over time and will result in forming the black sediments. The problem is that it will not only affect the water quality but also a bad odor and blockage in water lines.
Similarly, sewage or other forms of human waste will have serious ramifications.
Low water table
There comes a time when the water level starts to drop, and you will see more black sediments than before. This happens because when the water level drops, it mixes with the minerals and the other pollutants found at the new level.
Luckily, wells are likely to replenish themselves; however, the time may vary for each.
What to do if there are black sediments in well water?
Stop drinking immediately and arrange an alternative such as bottled water. However, in the long run, you need to focus on water treatment, as abandoning the well is not a reliable option at all.
First, you have to locate the source so that you know what is causing the formation of black sediments. If you are having any difficulty finding the source, get the well water tested from a certified laboratory, and you will know about it all.
In case it’s the iron bacteria, there are cheap ways you can use for iron removal.
Secondly, you need to invest in selecting the appropriate sediment filters. Note that faulty filters are another reason you see black sediments in the water. If you choose the right filter, it will filter out the stack and will provide you the crystal-clear water for drinking.
Moreover, install a screen, or a liner, in case it is silt, mud, or soil causing the black sediment.
Do not forget to fix old pipes, hoses, fixtures, and the well itself if there are any visible damages.
Conclusion
Black sediments not only make the well water unsafe for drinking but also cause clogging and other major issues in the plumbing system. Black sediments get into the water system through a number of means. It can be minerals, soil, or organic elements; the important thing is to test your water and install a filtration system. You must ensure the water you get is pure, clean, and is safe for drinking.
Next time you see black particles in water, you know how to fix it the right way.