Nearly 15% of the United States population relies on private wells for drinking water. Private wells are unregulated, meaning homeowners must ensure their water supply is safe to use and consume. Sediment in well water is a common issue for homeowners, especially in areas with naturally sandy soil, near bodies of water, in regions with high erosion rates, and where water tables are close to the surface. Fortunately, there are effective ways to significantly reduce sediment levels from well water and maintain high-quality water supplies.
Sediment is the naturally occurring accumulation of organic and inorganic matter suspended in water. As water moves through layers of soil and rock, it picks up a wide range of particles of varying sizes. Water with a lot of sediment often appears cloudy or very discolored depending on the kind of particles in your water and their size. Some typical types of sediment include:
If your water has a cloudy or milky appearance, has reddish brown or black discoloration, or has an unpleasant taste, you likely have some sediment in your well water. To verify, fill a glass with water from your tap. Allow the water to settle for a few minutes. If the water becomes less hazy as particles settle to the bottom of the glass, sediment is present. While sediment in well water doesn’t typically pose any direct health threats, it can wreak havoc on plumbing, fixtures, and appliances if left unresolved. Sediment particles can clog pipes, leading to restricted water flow and lower water pressure.
Why Is There Sediment In My Well Water?
Sediment in well water is caused by several factors. Understanding why sediment enters private water supplies can help you address the problem more effectively.
Natural and environmental causes are among the top reasons for sediment in well water. As groundwater flows through soil and rock, it picks up eroded particles from soil, rock, and minerals along the way. This process is more intense during wet seasons, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or other significant weather events like hurricanes. When the ground becomes saturated with water, runoff carries sediment and other debris into water tables that feed wells or directly into wells themselves. Dry seasons can also be a problem for sediment. When the water table drops, well pumps pull water from deeper in the well, which is where sediment tends to settle.
The construction and condition of your well also play a critical role in whether sediment makes its way into your well. The well casing, which serves as a protective barrier within the well to prevent collapse and block sediment, can deteriorate with age. Poor installation, chemical or mechanical wear and tear, and time can all cause cracks that allow sediment-saturated water to enter the well. This is a major concern for wells drilled through loose sand or soil, as shifting ground can further damage the well’s structural integrity.
Aside from the well casing, the well screen may also contribute to sediment in well water. The well screen is installed at the bottom of a well to filter out large sediment particles. Anything from damage to incorrect sizing can cause sediment to pass through the screen and contaminate the well. An unsealed well or cracked well seal is another potential entry point for sediment, as rainwater and runoff can easily enter if the seal is compromised or open.
Where your pump is placed and how it operates can contribute to sediment issues. If your pump is positioned too close to the bottom of your well, where sediment naturally accumulates, it can disturb sediment and suck it up into your water supply. This tends to be an issue when water levels are low. Excessive cycling or over-pumping also stirs up sediment. If too much water is drawn too fast, water levels can drop, leading to sediment being pulled up from the bottom.
Installing a sediment filter for well water is crucial for maintaining water quality. There are two sediment filter types you should consider for your home: cartridge filters and spin-down filters. Kind Water Systems offers both solutions, which are compatible with all of our filtration systems.
A cartridge sediment filter removes very fine dirt, silt, rust, and other sediment particles from water. It is made up of a replaceable filter housed inside a container which is installed on the main water line to treat all incoming water. As water is forced through the filter medium, sediment becomes trapped and is separated from water. Kind Water’s sediment filter is rated for 5 microns, meaning it captures sediment as small as the width of human hair. Over time, the filter clogs up with sediment and must be replaced. Depending on how much sediment is present in your well, filters will need to be replaced every six to 12 months.
Shop Kind Water’s 5-Micron Particulate Filter System
A spin-down sediment filter removes larger sediment fragments from water. These filters feature a mesh screen with a larger micron rating. Kind Water’s spin-down filter is rated for 100 microns. Water is directed into a chamber where it flows downward, forcing heavier particles to settle at the bottom and allowing filtered water to flow through the mesh screen. Trapped sediment is flushed out by opening a valve at the bottom of the filter, which allows sediment to be expelled quickly without the need to replace the entire filter. Spin-down sediment filters can be used in combination with cartridge filters, especially in cases where larger sediment particles are present in water.
Shop Kind Water’s 100-Micron Sand Filter with Sun Cover
If you have sediment in your well water, it’s a good idea to find out why. Start by checking for structural problems, such as casing cracks, worn seals, or overactive pumps. A professional well contractor can assess your well’s condition and recommend additional repairs if necessary.
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