Drinking water is supposed to be clean and clear. At least, that’s what we expect to see from our faucets. Any discoloration is a cause for concern since it more than likely indicates high levels of impurities. If the water in your home suddenly turns brown, then you simply cannot ignore it. No one wants to drink water with an odd color, a foul odor, and an unpleasant taste. The contamination may also cause trouble around the house from stains to illness. Take action as soon as possible. Read on to learn how to get rid of brown water.
Common Reasons Behind Brown Water
1. Iron
The brown tint could be caused by an excessive amount of iron in the water. This substance can get into well water supply systems through the earth’s crust. It can also happen when rain is absorbed by the ground and iron enters the aquifer underneath. Iron can leave stains on the sink, the bathtub, and the shower area. It can also trigger clogging in the water pipes. Some places have more iron content than others. Bacteria may even be included in the contaminants. If you are new to the area, then you can ask your neighbors whether they have experienced the same situation before. They might be able to give you tips about how they dealt with the problem of removing iron from well water.
2. Tannins
These compounds are commonly found in plants. When organic matter breaks down, tannin is released into the surroundings. It seeps into the ground and gets washed away by rain. Tannins can end up in water wells and eventually into homes. The good news is that these are not as dangerous as iron. Water with tannins may be consumed without health risks. However, this doesn’t mean homeowners should let it persist indefinitely. It can still cause stains in bathroom fixtures and in clothes. It can also affect the water’s taste, making people less likely to get enough hydration. This can even change how chores like cooking and washing are done.
3. Rust
Materials made from iron are prone to corrosion. When they come into contact with water, rust will begin to appear. This substance has a reddish brown color that can stain kitchen and bathroom fixtures. If the area is predominantly white, then the stains will be highly visible. Rusted pipes have weaker walls. Leaks can develop over time due to holes and cracks. Before that happens, homeowners may notice that their clothes are getting stained by rust. Their hair and skin condition could also worsen because of the brown water.
Water Treatment Options
Given all of the undesirable effects described above, it is definitely in the best interest of homeowners to act quickly. They should learn how to get rid of brown water and implement suitable corrective measures based on their unique situation. The first step is to determine the exact cause. Testing kits are available online. These are affordable and easy to use. Homes that are connected to a local water company may ask them to conduct tests within their coverage area. The results should provide conclusive proof of contamination. Once you know what you are dealing with, you can pick an appropriate treatment option, even a whole house water filtration installation.
1. Air Injection Oxidation
This method cleans up the water by injecting oxygen into a pressure tank. Oxygen has the ability to chemically alter iron and manganese. The oxidized particles will fall into the media bed and stick to it. They will then be flushed out to get rid of all the impurities. The process is fairly simple yet extremely effective if the goal is to remove specific substances from the water. However, it will not be able to do much if the contaminants are bacteria and tannins. These will require different solutions.
2. Sediment Filtration
It is common for sediments to mix with water, especially after heavy rain. The particles are often large enough that they can be filtered through mechanical means. Sediment filters have pores ranging from 1 to 5 microns in diameter. This is big enough to let water pass through while blocking the entry of rust, sand, and dirt. In some homes, this is all that is needed to make the water clear and clean again. In others, it will have to be used in conjunction with other types of filtration methods to achieve satisfactory results.
3. Reverse Osmosis
This filtration system makes water pass through several stages to remove different types of contaminants. It is a highly effective method of getting rid of sulfur, bacteria, and other pollutants. Reverse osmosis filters can be connected to the pipes before the water heater for clean showers. They can also be connected to the tap for safe drinking water.
Conclusion
Water discoloration is an obvious sign of trouble. If you want to get rid of brown water, then conduct tests to find out what’s causing the problem. Old rusty pipes will need replacement. Other issues can be solved with the acquisition of an appropriate filter system to ensure clean and clear water. If drainage is problematic, a durable macerating pump can help efficiently manage wastewater.