Yellow well water: 4 common reasons
Unlike city water, private well water is unregulated by the government. While well water is often much better than the chlorinated city water, issues like yellow water can arise.
There are a few potential reasons why your well water may be yellow:
- Iron: Iron is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found in well water. When water containing iron is exposed to air, it can turn yellow or brown. This is because iron reacts with oxygen to form a rust-like substance called iron oxide, which gives the water a yellow or brown color. Iron can also cause red or brown stains on clothing and fixtures.
- Manganese: Like iron, manganese is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in well water. It can give water a yellow, brown, or black color, and can also cause black or brown stains on clothing and fixtures.
- Sediment: Sediment, such as sand or clay, can be stirred up from the bottom of the well and give the water a yellow or cloudy appearance. In some cases, sediment can also cause the water to have a bad taste or smell.
- Bacteria: In some cases, yellow water may be caused by the presence of bacteria, which can produce a yellow or brown color. Bacteria can also cause other issues with water quality, such as bad taste or smell.
It’s important to test your well water to determine the cause of the yellow color and to determine the appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you may want to try running the water for a few minutes to see if the yellow color clears up. If it doesn’t, it’s best not to drink the water until it has been tested, and treated with the right well water filtration system if necessary.
