Have you ever been greeted by yellow water when turning on your tap? If your water comes from a well, this might be a familiar (and frustrating) sight.
It’s not unusual for well water to change color, but when it turns yellow, it’s usually a sign that something’s off. This could be due to iron bacteria, rusty pipes, or sediment, among other issues.
While these issues might not pose an immediate health risk, they can lead to long-term problems if left unchecked. Plus, who wants to deal with stained laundry and a metallic taste in their water?
Here, we’ll overview the possible causes and provide steps to identify and get rid of yellow well water.
Before diving in, take a look at the common causes and their solutions:
| Yellow Well Water Cause | Sign | Solution |
| Ferric iron contamination | Yellow water color Metallic taste | Get an iron filter system (Best solution: Springwell Iron Filter) |
| Old, rusty pipes | Yellow water from a particular faucet Visible rusty pipes | Replace Pipes |
| Organic material in wells | Debris in water at the bottom of the cup Unpleasant taste | Get a sediment filter or tannins removal system with a water softener (e.g Springwell Tannins System) |
| Iron bacteria contamination | Yellow, brown, or red coloration Thick & slimy water | Shock well or use a chemical injection system (Our recommendation: Springwell Injection System) |
Why Is My Well Water Yellow All of a Sudden?
If you notice that your well water is suddenly yellow, it’s likely due to iron bacteria contamination, ferric iron, rusty pipes, or sediment in the well.
These contaminants don’t pose significant health risks in the short term, but they’re usually a sign that the well is polluted. Since drinking from it can have long-term health effects, it’s best to take immediate action.
The first step is to test your water, even if the yellowness is caused by surface runoff from rain or melting snow. Surface runoff can pick up harmful bacteria and contaminants, posing a serious health risk both in the short and long term.
Ensuring the safety of well water is the responsibility of the well owner. The best way to do it is to regularly test your well water to ensure it meets all health and safety standards.
Now, let’s take a closer look at what may be causing yellow well water:
1. Ferric Iron Contamination Causes Yellow Well Water
Ferric iron is a common culprit behind yellow well water. When iron is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns into ferric iron, which has a rusty, yellowish appearance. This form of iron can dissolve into your well water, giving it an unpleasant color and taste.
You might notice yellow stains on your laundry, fixtures, and in your toilet bowl, which are telltale signs of ferric iron contamination. The oxidation process can occur naturally as water moves through iron-rich soil and rocks, or it can happen inside your plumbing system.
To address ferric iron contamination, you can install an iron filter designed to remove iron particles from your water. A filter we frequently recommend is the Springwell Whole House Iron Filter, which is great at removing iron as well as sulfur and manganese from water.
Additional read: Why is My Tap Water Yellow?
2. Old, Rusty Pipes
Old, rusty pipes can be another reason your well water turns yellow. As pipes age, they can corrode and release rust particles into your water supply. This not only discolors the water but can also give it a metallic taste.
The rust can come from both your home’s plumbing system and the casing of an old well. If you notice yellow or brownish stains around faucets, in sinks, or in toilets, it’s likely due to rust from these aging pipes.
To resolve this issue, consider replacing old pipes with newer, corrosion-resistant materials like PVC or PEX. Getting a qualified professional to do the job is essential to ensure it’s done correctly.
Regularly flushing your system can also help remove accumulated rust and keep your water clearer.
3. Organic Material in Well Water
Water seeping through swampy or peaty soils on the way to your well’s aquifer may pick up tannins, which are natural byproducts of decaying vegetation. This can happen after heavy rain or flooding.
Tannins are more prevalent in shallow wells or wells near wetlands, where organic matter is abundant. Besides discoloration, tannins can give the water a slight earthy taste.
Tannin filters are the most common way to remove tannins. These filters work by absorbing tannins into a filter media, which can then be flushed out of the system. A suitable option is the Springwell Tannins System which not only removes organic material causing yellow water but softens the water as well.
However, such filtration systems require regular cleaning since the tannins will eventually clog the filters.
Tannins in well water can also be removed through oxidation, activated carbon filters, or reverse osmosis (RO). However, it’s best to consult a water treatment professional to determine the best approach.
Additional read: Why is My Toilet Water Yellow?
4. Iron Bacteria Contamination
Iron bacteria are tiny organisms that live in water and soil. They get their energy by oxidizing iron, manganese, and other metals. This process can cause your water to look yellow, orange, red, or even brown. Besides the color change, these bacteria can make your water taste swampy or oily.
You’ll know you have an iron bacteria problem if your well water suddenly changes color and develops an unpleasant taste. These bacteria can be tricky to deal with and often require a combination of treatments like pasteurization, chlorination, and filtration.
If you suspect iron bacteria contamination, it’s best to call a professional for help. Trying to handle it yourself can be frustrating and ineffective. Most states offer well treatment programs, so reach out to local authorities to get the assistance you need.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Water in Your Well
There are several different treatments available depending on the cause of the problem.
However, they all start with a basic tenet: regular testing.
Step 1: Test Your Well Water
Testing helps you identify the exact cause of the yellow coloration and guides you to the right treatment solution.
Ideally, you should test your well every spring after the snow melts. This is the best time to check for coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH levels, and other potential contaminants.
However, if your water suddenly changes color, smells funny, or there’s been a natural disaster in your area, don’t wait for spring and test your water immediately.
Regular testing is the key to ensuring your well water meets health and safety standards. It’s a simple but essential step to protect your family’s health.
Step 2: Choose a Treatment Solution Based on Your Test Results
After you’ve tested your well water and identified the problem, the next step is to choose the right treatment solution.
We recommend the following solutions to some common issues:
Use an Iron Filter System
If your test results show high levels of ferric iron, the best solution is an iron filter system. These filters are designed to remove iron from your water. One popular option is the Springwell Whole House Iron Filter, which also removes sulfur and manganese.
Replace Your Old Pipes
If rusty, old pipes are the cause of your yellow water, you’ll need to replace them. Although this can be costly, it’s the most effective solution. Make sure to hire a qualified professional to ensure the job is done correctly.
Get Tannin Filters
If your water contains tannins from decaying vegetation, tannin filters are the way to go. These filters absorb tannins, improving the taste, smell, and color of your water. The Springwell Tannins System is a good option for this purpose, as it also softens the water.
When the tannin levels are too high, their removal may also require a more advanced filtration such as RO systems. However, if that’s the case, it’s better to seek professional advice.
Iron Bacteria Removal Process
For iron bacteria, you’ll likely need a combination of treatments like pasteurization, chlorination, and filtration. This process can be complex, so it’s best to call a professional for help.
Luckily, most states in the U.S. run their own well treatment programs and have responsive and easy-to-contact professional personnel. So, make sure to contact the concerned authorities in your state before executing the iron-bacteria removal process.
Use a Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse osmosis is a process that removes contaminants from water, including iron, tannins, and bacteria. This system forces water through a semipermeable membrane, leaving impurities behind.
Fortunately, there are many powerful RO systems that can get rid of yellow well water contamination. They’re all reliable and tested by well owners.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters are another option for removing tannins, iron, and bacteria from water. These filters work by adsorbing the contaminants onto the surface of the filter media.
Activated carbon filters need to be replaced regularly, depending on the level of contamination in your water. However, they’re a great alternative to RO systems.
Chlorination Process
Chlorination is a process that involves adding chlorine to water to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This is a standard treatment for iron bacteria.
However, it’s important to note that chlorination can affect the taste and smell of your water. Therefore, after chlorination, you might need another filter to remove any residual chlorine.
UV Disinfection Treatment
UV disinfection uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. This is also an effective way to remove iron bacteria from water but should be part of a multi-stage filtration system and handled by a qualified professional.
Step 3: Re-Test Your Well Water After Treatment
Once you’ve treated your well water, the next important step is to re-test it. This will help you ensure that the treatment was effective and your water is now safe to drink.
After any treatment, especially if you’ve used chlorination, it’s important to test for chlorine levels in addition to other contaminants. This helps confirm that no residual chlorine remains in your water, which can affect taste and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most causes of yellow water are natural and beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk by regularly checking the condition of your pipes and fixtures and keeping them in good shape.
Regularly testing your well will also decrease the chance of bacteria or tannin accumulation. It will help you catch any issues early before they become serious problems.
Yellow water after rain is often due to surface runoff that picks up minerals and deposits them into your well. This is common in areas with high mineral content in the soil.
Surface water runoff may contain hazardous contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical waste, and even raw sewage, which can cause serious illness.
Again, a test is required to estimate the level of minerals that have made their way into your well. After the test, a reverse osmosis system, activated carbon filters, or a whole-house filtration system can be used to neutralize them.
So, it’s essential to call and ask professionals for a test as soon as possible.
The cost varies depending on the cause of the yellow water. Treating high mineral levels is generally less expensive than dealing with iron bacteria contamination.
For an accurate estimate, consult a water treatment professional who can assess your specific situation and recommend an appropriate treatment solution.
The time it takes to clear yellow water depends on the cause. If minerals are the issue, the yellow color should disappear within a few days after treatment.
However, if iron bacteria is to blame, it might take several weeks or longer to resolve the problem. Consistent use of a water treatment system helps prevent the issue from recurring.
Yellow water that is not caused by surface runoff or iron bacteria is safe to drink. However, it’s best not to consume it until proper testing is done.
After all, contaminants in your well water can lead to health problems, so it’s always better to be safe and ensure your water is safe and clean.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, bathing in yellow well water doesn't pose a health risk. However, long-term exposure to high mineral content could cause itchiness and dry skin.
Unfiltered well water is mostly hard water, which can lead to skin and hair problems. Moreover, it can shorten the lifespan of home and kitchen appliances.
The sediment in it can also damage your plumbing if allowed to build up. So, it’s best to avoid yellow water for bathing, dishwashing, or laundry. Consider installing a water softener or filter system to remedy this.
Minerals can build up in your water overnight, causing it to appear yellow when you first turn on the tap in the morning.
Letting the water run for a few minutes can help flush out the minerals. Installing a water softener can also help prevent this issue.
Conclusion
Each of the causes in this guide requires a specific treatment method, but they all start with one essential step: testing your well water. Once you identify the cause, you can choose the appropriate solution, whether it’s replacing pipes, installing filtration systems, or using chlorination and UV treatments.
Remember, the safety and clarity of your well water are in your hands. Regular testing and maintenance are key to preventing and resolving issues with yellow water. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call in a professional to ensure your water is safe for you and your family.
Thank you for this information; I found this very informative.
our well water has been very good – that is until we had a 6 hr. outage overnight. By morning we had no pressure in the faucets. When we finally got pressure, the water was a dark orange. My husband changes the house filter regularly, but when he went to check the filter he found it covered in “mud” – probably the iron accumulation. We have had outages before but never lost water pressure, and definitely never had this orange color. Is our well “running dry”? Does our tank need to be purged?
Hi Theresa, sorry to hear about your recent issue. You know, if you’re having a dramatic issue all of a sudden with your water and the filter has gotten impacted with a lot of “mud”, I would contact a professional quickly to make sure there isn’t a serious issue. I’ve seen issues like this that were due to burst pipes or damaged wells. It’s impossible for me to given a well considered answer without being on your property and investigating. But, again, if this is a problem all of a sudden and you described it as not trivial, I would consult your local pro to investigate or feel free to use our search tool here: https://waterdefense.org/local-plumber-search/ Wishing you good luck and let me know how it turns out.
Is there an all-in-one filtering solution for iron, bacteria, tannins and water softener?
Hi Richard, often if the needs for water treatment are diverse, an all in one system may not be possible. In your case and using Springwell as an example, you would use the following two systems to achieve what you need: first, a chemical injection system, and then a tannin softener system.