Chocolat water...

[jtpr]

...is what I came home to tonight. We normally have a lot of iron (orange) in our water, but tonight it was all very dark brown. I don't know what to do, has my well finally had it??

-Jim

[Bob]

Did you have a lot of heavy rain today?

[Al Moran]

If you live in New Orleans that would be normal based on recent statements by a certain crackpot.

[jtpr]

We have had a big thaw and rain (NH). But I have lived here since '89 and while the orange may get deeper, I have never seen this dark brown water before. I mean it is like mud. It seems to have cleared a bit in the last few hours, but it is still thick. A few of the faucets are clogged with it. The kitchen one barely works and this is with the aerator removed. I'll have to take the whole thing apart to clear it out.

Is there any way, short of drilling another well, to not have this happen?

-Jim

[buffalobill]

"Get your water tested anytime there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime the system is serviced." read:

What concerns should I have after a flood if I have a private well? Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock, AND . . .

Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick. Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the pump. After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water. If the water does not run clear, get advice from the county or state health department or extension service.

[buffalobill]

says: "These simple steps will help protect your system and investment:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the system is serviced.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water supply system is serviced.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing (well) to ensure it is in good repair.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings, waste systems or chemical storage facilities. Your professional contractor knows the rules.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don't allow back-siphonage. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals, don't put the hose inside the tank or container.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When landscaping, keep the top of your well at least one foot above the ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don't pile snow, leaves, or other materials around your well.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction report, as well as annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well, or the water it provides.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When your well has come to the end of its serviceable life (usually more than 20 years), have your qualified water well contractor properly decommission your well after constructing your new system.

[buffalobill]

drinking well water in new england:

[Bob]

Not knowing your landscape, I'd guess that surface run-off got into you well. The bottom may have mud and pebbles in it. Before you drill another well, find out how deep it is, and how high your water table is. It may be possible to just raise your pump and/or bottom of the pipe about 5 ft.