We have a cottage in mid Michigan, (Higgins Lk. area). This year when we went up for the weekend, when we turned on the water it was dark reddish-brown. We ran it for about 4 hours but it never really cleared up.The well is a 4 or 5 inch, drilled well, and around 175 feet deep and it is a VERY sandy area. Our well is one of the deepest on a street of about 15 other cottages with wells. For years our water has been outstanding, so good we would bring it back home for drinking. The well is only about 16 yrs old.
2006-07-17 16:12:41 · 16 answers · asked by Sugar 2 in Environment
So basicly its been good for 15 yrs, then suddenly its dirty with possible iron in it. And its used seasonal.
Well, (no pun) the fact that its sandy is not always good. Without layers of clay etc, to protect the water layer that your well is operating from you could be getting surface water even though the well is drilled. Has it been extremely wet.?
Also, like someone else mentioned has there been any disturbances around the area such as building or roads.
What type of pipe was used, iron most likely. If the water has fairly high acid levels the pipe could be rusting out.
The pipe could have cracked at a higher depth and letting a layer of sand with iron, etc seep in. Any earthquakes in the area.
You could pull the pump out and inspect the pressure line for residue while measuring at the same time. This would let you know if there seepage higher up.
Really hard to say, might be time for a new well. Check with the neighbors also, maybe they are having problems too.
2006-07-17 17:11:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Reddish Water
2017-01-15 04:24:11 · answer #2 · answered by condon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is caused from iron- if there is too much of it in the ground water, it appears that color. If you had previously had better water from the same well, either you need to clean your water filter and water softener (they are like water heaters in shape and size) or there may have been a shift in the source of your water - the land does move, as do the water ways- whether they are on the surface or under the surface. What kind of pipes are piping the water into the house? There could be corrosion in the pipes themselves, instead of at the source of the water. Check out all of the above- you can also get it tested to see what is going on.Most County Offices have an Enviornmental Health Office that can furnish you with the test kit and do the testing for you. Also, find out if anyone else in the area is having the same problem recently....
2006-07-17 16:23:26 · answer #3 · answered by Star R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either something has disturbed the vein that feeds into your well or there is a direct link from your well to a local water source where something has been left to rust in it.
It is prudent to have water testing done to know for certain that the color isn't associated with any type of chemical seepage into your well.
Does it have a metal smell to it? Does it have any kind of smell? If so is it a smell that would affect your desire to drink it if there wasn't the odd color to it? If so, then do not use the water for anything and have it tested as soon as you can. It's possible someone dumped an old car, metal drums or just about anything that would deteriorate, into the lake were you are and your well's water source has now been contaminated.
Once tested you will be able to correct the situation or at least know where to start.
Good luck
2006-07-17 16:22:17 · answer #4 · answered by dustiiart 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iron is mainly present in water in two forms: either the soluble ferrous iron or the insoluble ferric iron. Water containing ferrous iron is clear and colorless because the iron is completely dissolved. When exposed to air in the pressure tank or atmosphere, the water turns cloudy and a reddish brown substance begins to form. This sediment is the oxidized or ferric form of iron that will not dissolve in water.
Link
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/ironFS.htm
2006-07-17 16:17:18 · answer #5 · answered by MAXIMUS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason for the water being reddish brown is that there is sand in the water.. you will need to add a purifier. As you say that it is 16 years old, which means it might be collapsing . and you might have to dig a new one, try not to do it close to the first one ....
2006-07-17 16:18:37 · answer #6 · answered by Arun M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have rust in the tank or pump. Take the the diaphram out and clean it. If that doesn't work buy a new tank. They are quite easy to install. Like a water heater. Same concept.
2006-07-17 16:16:33 · answer #7 · answered by Rubber Duck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a creek by where my aunt lives in bayville, nj with that same water color. it is because of the iron rich ground that the creek has. the sand may be rich in iron where ur cottage is. it shouldnt be harmful but deffinatly have it checked out by an offical before drinking it to be sure.
2006-07-17 16:18:59 · answer #8 · answered by sniperkill546 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like iron, you should have the water tested at an independant lab for an idea of what your levels are, and ground water levels and what is in the water changes when the area changes (buildings, roads, etc.)
2006-07-17 16:18:17 · answer #9 · answered by miss angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
appears like ear mites. the interior and out of doors of the dogs ears might want to be dealt with with a particular salve from the vet.. the different insects may be ticks. Pull as lots of them off and also you'll use kerosene at some thing else to kill them. The krerosene can help you the therapeutic too.
2016-10-14 22:04:09 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋