Rusty, smelly and cloudy well water
Orange stains and rotten-egg smells are common on East Texas wells. Find out what's causing them and what fixes them.
Well water problems in Smith County most often mean iron: orange or brown stains, rusty-looking water and a metallic taste. State studies of the Tyler area have long identified iron as the area's main groundwater quality problem, and water from the Queen City aquifer in particular tends to be acidic and high in iron. Other common complaints are a rotten-egg smell and water that turns cloudy or sandy.
What causes rusty or stained water?
Dissolved iron and manganese in groundwater cause reddish or black stains on fixtures and laundry, and give water an unpleasant taste and color. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes that both can be treated, often by aeration or chemical oxidation followed by filtration. Iron bacteria can also grow in wells and on pump screens, producing slime and clogging equipment.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
A rotten-egg smell comes from hydrogen sulfide gas. It can come from the groundwater itself or from bacteria in the well, the water heater or the plumbing. Whether it shows up on both hot and cold taps helps a technician narrow down the source. Treatment depends on the cause and can include shock chlorination, aeration, oxidizing filters or changes to the water heater.
Why did my water suddenly turn cloudy or sandy?
A sudden change can mean sand coming through a worn well screen, a pump set too close to the bottom of the well, or a problem with the casing. It's worth having checked, since sand wears out pumps quickly.
How often should I test my well water?
The Texas Well Owner Network, run through Texas A&M, recommends testing private wells for bacteria every year, and any time the water's color, smell or taste changes. Testing for nitrate is also a good idea, especially for shallow wells. Private wells aren't regulated like city water, so testing is up to the owner.
What affects the cost of fixing water problems?
- The cause. Iron, sulfur, bacteria or sand each need different fixes.
- Treatment equipment. Filters, oxidizing systems or softeners.
- Well work. Shock chlorination or pump and screen repairs.
- Testing. Lab tests to confirm what's in the water.
Prices come from the well company after they've diagnosed the problem. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Is iron in well water dangerous?
Iron mainly causes staining, taste and odor problems rather than health problems, but it can clog plumbing and equipment. Test for bacteria and nitrate separately.
How do I get rid of the rotten egg smell in my well water?
It depends on whether the hydrogen sulfide is coming from the groundwater, the well or the water heater. A well professional or water treatment specialist can test and recommend options such as shock chlorination or oxidizing filtration.
Related services
More background: Smith County water well guide.
No water at the tap?
Call now instead of sending a form. A dead pump is a same-day problem.