Wells collect untreated groundwater, which can contain a variety of contaminants—some harmful to consume, while others cause damage and strain to your plumbing system. Unlike city water, private well water isn’t filtered or disinfected before it reaches your home, so it's important to test your well water to ensure its safe for your home and consumption. We advise having your water tested at an accredited lab or booking a free water test with us for more basic contaminants.  

Your water may smell and leave stains due to several factors. High levels of iron can cause a metallic odor and reddish-brown stains on fixtures and laundry. A rotten egg smell is often the result of hydrogen sulfide (sulfur), which is also common in well water. Manganese, like iron, can cause black or brown stains. Additionally certain bacteria, such as iron bacteria, can create foul odors and slimy residue leading to staining.

Untreated well water is not considered safe to drink without proper testing and treatment. Well water can contain harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals that can pose health risks. Since it is not treated like public water, there’s no guarantee that it is free from these contaminants. Regular testing is essential to ensure the water is safe for consumption, and in many cases, filtration or disinfection may be necessary to make it safe to drink. 

To make your well water safe to drink, start by removing larger particles at the point of entry. Use a sediment filter for dirt and debris, and a water softener, iron filter, or whole-house filter to tackle hard minerals like iron, calcium, and manganese. Next, install a point-of-use drinking water filter, such as a reverse osmosis system, to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, bacteria, and most other contaminants and chemicals, ensuring your water is clean and safe for drinking. Always test your well water first to identify specific contaminants to choose the right treatment solutions.