One of the biggest threats to your Connecticut well water is sediment. While it may seem innocent enough, it can lead to damage to your well, well pump, water fixtures and water appliances. Here is what you need to know about sediment in well water.
Sediment Explained
Sediment is essentially any natural substance that breaks down through erosion and weathering. It can be a combination of everything from rocks and sand to plants and microbes. To detect sediment in CT well water, look for cloudiness or discoloration in the water. Some sediment in well water will settle to the bottom, and other sediment will not. Additionally, there can be sediment in well water that only develops once the water is exposed to air.
The Effects of Sediment in Well Water
Even though sediment is a natural substance, that does not mean it is safe for your family or for your well system. As the sediment works its way through the ground, it attracts pollutants and pathogens that continue traveling with the sediment and end up in your well water. These health risks include pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, viruses, and dissolved metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Not only that, but sediment in Connecticut well water can lead to clogs throughout the well system that reduce water flow and cause damage.
Sediment Sources
There are many different ways that you can get sediment in well water. These include:
- During the drilling process, sediment can enter the well, and it will remain there for as long as 30 days before it dissipates.
- If you have an older well, sediment can pile up at the bottom of the well from loose bedrock.
- When your well casing, seals, screens, or other components get damaged or degrade, they create a pathway for sediments to get into your well water.
- Your appliances or fixtures can develop a mineral buildup—which appears as either rust-colored staining or a white scaling—which then dissolve into your well water on contact.
How to Detect Potential Sediment in Well Water
You can sometimes tell if you have sediment in well water by performing a visual inspection. Look for slightly discolored water, cloudiness, or even the presence of solids in your water. That being said, some sediment is nearly impossible to detect by just looking at it. However, you can sometimes identify sediment by the way your well water smells or tastes. If you do have suspicions of sediment in well water, stop drinking it immediately and seek out testing.
The best course of action is to get in-depth well water testing completed. That is the only way to know for sure if your well has sediment. Once we get the results, we will provide you with the correct treatment options, which might include repositioning the pump, repairing any defects in the well, or improving the filtration system. To learn more about how we can test and treat sediment in Connecticut well water, contact us today.