....is what I came home to tonight. We normally have a lot of iron
(orange) in our water, but tonight it was all very dark brown. I
don't know what to do, has my well finally had it??

-Jim

Did you have a lot of heavy rain today?

"jtpr" wrote in message
oups.com...
...is what I came home to tonight. We normally have a lot of iron
(orange) in our water, but tonight it was all very dark brown. I
don't know what to do, has my well finally had it??

-Jim

We have had a big thaw and rain (NH). But I have lived here since '89
and while the orange may get deeper, I have never seen this dark brown
water before. I mean it is like mud. It seems to have cleared a bit
in the last few hours, but it is still thick. A few of the faucets are
clogged with it. The kitchen one barely works and this is with the
aerator removed. I'll have to take the whole thing apart to clear it
out.

Is there any way, short of drilling another well, to not have this
happen?

-Jim

"Get your water tested anytime there is a change in taste, odor or
appearance, or anytime the system is serviced."
read:
http://www.wellowner.org/awellmainte...lcheckup.shtml


What concerns should I have after a flood if I have a private well?
Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock, AND
.. . .

Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick.
Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the
pump.
After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs
clear to rid the well of flood water.
If the water does not run clear, get advice from the county or state
health department or extension service.

http://www.wellowner.org/awellmainte...erscheck.shtml
it says: "These simple steps will help protect your system and
investment:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Always use licensed or certified water well drillers and pump
installers when a well is constructed, a pump is installed or the
system is serviced.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An annual well maintenance check, including a bacterial test, is
recommended. Any source of drinking water should be checked any time
there is a change in taste, odor or appearance, or anytime a water
supply system is serviced.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and
motor oil far away from your well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing
(well) to ensure it is in good repair.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Always maintain proper separation between your well and buildings,
waste systems or chemical storage facilities. Your professional
contractor knows the rules.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don't allow back-siphonage. When mixing pesticides, fertilizers or
other chemicals, don't put the hose inside the tank or container.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When landscaping, keep the top of your well at least one foot above the
ground. Slope the ground away from your well for proper drainage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take care in working or mowing around your well. A damaged casing could
jeopardize the sanitary protection of your well. Don't pile snow,
leaves, or other materials around your well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction
report, as well as annual water well system maintenance and water
testing results.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be aware of changes in your well, the area around your well, or the
water it provides.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When your well has come to the end of its serviceable life (usually
more than 20 years), have your qualified water well contractor properly
decommission your well after constructing your new system.

drinking well water in new england:
http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/drin...ll_owners.html

Not knowing your landscape, I'd guess that surface run-off got into you
well. The bottom may have mud and pebbles in it. Before you drill another
well, find out how deep it is, and how high your water table is. It may be
possible to just raise your pump and/or bottom of the pipe about 5 ft.

"jtpr" wrote in message
oups.com...
We have had a big thaw and rain (NH). But I have lived here since '89
and while the orange may get deeper, I have never seen this dark brown
water before. I mean it is like mud. It seems to have cleared a bit
in the last few hours, but it is still thick. A few of the faucets are
clogged with it. The kitchen one barely works and this is with the
aerator removed. I'll have to take the whole thing apart to clear it
out.

Is there any way, short of drilling another well, to not have this
happen?

-Jim