It can be alarming to turn on your faucet and discover that your water has a brown or reddish-brown tint. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my water brown?”, there are a few common reasons this can happen—and, fortunately, effective solutions for getting your water back to the clear, refreshing quality you deserve.
Below, we’ll explore what might cause brown well water and how to address each potential issue.
Possible Causes Of Brown Well Water
It’s normal for well water to appear discolored from time to time, especially after events like heavy rain or seasonal changes. That said, there can be many culprits behind brown well water.
By understanding the most common causes of brown or reddish-brown water, you can take the proper steps to restore your supply of safe, clean water.
1. Iron Or Manganese Buildup
Florida’s soil often contains high levels of iron and manganese. As these minerals dissolve into groundwater, they can end up in your well supply and leave rust-colored or brownish stains on fixtures. Iron can also create a metallic taste in your water. If you notice that the brown well water starts after a period of heavy rainfall or if the discoloration gradually increases, excess mineral content is likely the cause.
2. Sediment Or Silt
Sometimes, tiny particles of dirt, sand, or other debris can make their way into your well. This is especially common if your well is shallow or if recent flooding or heavy storms have disturbed the ground around the well. The presence of sediment may cause a noticeable well-water brown color, accompanied by a gritty texture or cloudy appearance.
3. Pipe Corrosion
Older metal pipes can rust over time, causing your water to look discolored. Corrosion flakes may detach and flow through your plumbing. If you see a sudden reddish-brown burst after turning on the faucet, your pipes might be the culprit. This issue often occurs in homes that haven’t replaced aging plumbing.
4. Well Pump Or Plumbing Issues
A malfunctioning well pump can stir up settled sediment at the bottom of the well, causing discolored water. In addition, broken or damaged pipes within the system may introduce contaminants or oxidized metals into your water, which causes well water to be brown.
How To Remedy Brown Or Reddish Brown Water
After identifying the likely reason behind the discoloration, the next step is finding the right solution. Depending on whether the issue lies with minerals, sediment, corrosion, or equipment failure, you may need a different strategy to ensure your home’s water is clear and safe to drink.
1. Water Filtration Systems
Installing a filtration system designed for iron and sediment can help clear discolored water. For more persistent mineral issues, specialized filters or aeration systems may be necessary. WaterTech 239’s well water solutions are tailored to Florida’s unique well environment, effectively tackling minerals, bacteria, and other impurities that can cause discoloration.
2. Regular Well Maintenance
Scheduling routine well inspections and pump maintenance ensures your well equipment is working correctly. If there’s a component malfunction, a technician can repair or replace it before it negatively impacts water quality.
3. Pipe Replacement
If older pipes are to blame, upgrading your plumbing can eliminate the discoloration. This is often a long-term solution for persistent rust or corrosion problems.
4. Free Water Test
The easiest way to diagnose why your well water is brown is to have a professional examine it. By requesting a free water test, you’ll get a clear picture of your water’s mineral composition and contaminants. Armed with this knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to restore your home’s water quality.
Getting Back To Clear, Healthy Water
Brown or reddish-brown water can be unsettling, but in most cases, the problem is solvable. Addressing the underlying cause—be it high iron content, sediment, pipe corrosion, or pump issues—will help you regain safe, great-tasting water for your home or business.
With more than four decades of expertise in Southwest Florida, WaterTech 239 is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need filtration systems, routine well service, or a deeper investigation, our team can ensure you have fresh, clean water.
For more information on remedying brown well water, scheduling well maintenance, or improving overall water quality, our experts can provide a tailored solution that fits your needs. If you’re ready to take action, call us directly to get started today.