There are a lot of substances that can infiltrate your well water, and one of the most alarming can be iron bacteria. The good news is that even though it looks harmful and it makes your water smell and taste terrible, it doesn’t pose serious health risks. Here are the details you need to know about iron bacteria in your CT well water.
What Is Iron Bacteria?
At the most basic level, iron bacteria are small organisms that are formed when iron or manganese interacts with oxygen. It can be found in all parts of your well water system, including the pipes, pumps, well casings, plumbing, and within water appliances. Iron bacteria are usually very noticeable in CT well water. You might see floating algae that is orange, red, or brown, or you might see a thick, slimy orange coating of it inside places where the water sits, like your toilet tank.
Even more noticeable than its appearance is the rancid smell and taste the iron bacteria create in your Connecticut well water—and this smell becomes even stronger as the water sits. The most common words used to describe the notable smell of iron bacteria are: musty, swampy, sewage, and rotten vegetation.
What Are the Risks of Iron Bacteria in CT Well Water?
As mentioned, there are no known health risks in drinking iron bacteria; however, your water may taste and smell terrible, so you wouldn’t want to drink it anyway. Additionally, iron bacteria can clog the screens and filters within your well water system, making them less effective at reducing other harmful substances.
If you suspect iron bacteria in your well water, do not delay: Contact us for water testing right away so we can determine the cause of the odors, bad taste, and stains. They could be caused by something else with potentially harmful health effects, so you never want to take a chance. Once we know exactly what we are dealing with, we will take the appropriate action.
For more information about iron bacteria and how it might show up in your well water, contact us now.