Questions About Your Well & Well Water? We Have Answers!

Water Treatment FAQs | Ayers Water Systems - faqs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our customers. If your question isn’t addressed here, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

If you suffer from itchy skin, stained sinks, or plumbing problems, a water softener may be the solution you need.

If you suspect that you are dealing with hard water, the team at Ayers Water Systems can perform water testing services to determine the mineral levels in your water and the professional installation of a whole-home water softener to reduce mineral buildup.

Why should I have my well water supply tested?

Typically, groundwater is naturally clean and safe for use because of the top layer of soil that acts as a natural filter. However, contamination may occur improper installation of well casings or caps, after a break in the casing, or as a result of contaminated surface water entering the well. Contamination can also occur if water wells are drilled in fractured bedrock without enough protective soil and with less than the recommended minimum casing length. Additionally, contamination can occur over time as more and more wells are drilled into the same aquifer (water-bearing layer). Water wells should be properly maintained and the water tested regularly to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply and to prevent the possibility of illness.

What tests can be performed on my well water supply?

There are generally two types of tests that can be performed on your well water supply – a Bacteriological Analysis and a Chemical Analysis. The Bacteriological Analysis determines the microbiological quality of the water supply by looking for the presence of certain bacteria that are indicative of fecal (sewage or manure) contamination. The Chemical Analysis, on the other hand, determines the concentration of naturally occurring minerals (or chemicals) in your well water supply. Most of these minerals only affect the aesthetic quality of the water (taste, odor, and color), however, there are a few minerals that can adversely affect human health.

How often should I test my well water supply?

Bacterial Analysis:

Yearly under normal circumstance.
After lengthy periods of non-use, more than a year.
If you are expecting a newborn in the house.
If you are new to the house or property.
If you have never had the water tested.
If household members experience gastrointestinal illness and you suspect the water.

Chemical Analysis:

Every five years under normal circumstance.
After lengthy periods of non-use, more than a year.
If you are expecting a newborn.
If you are new to the house or property.
If you have never had the water tested before.

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that has the minerals calcium and magnesium dissolved into it. These minerals come from sedimentary rock such as limestone that is dissolved into the groundwater and makes it difficult to lather up soaps and also builds up in your plumbing fixtures.

Why do my sinks, toilets, and shower walls turn yellow or orange?

The colors you see are actually iron stains. Iron is very common in well water and can be found in three different forms.

Ferrous Iron (dissolved-not visible)

This is the most common type of iron. Water appears clear when drawn but when mixed with oxygen turns yellow.

Ferric Iron (suspended-visible)

This type is mixed with oxygen which forms an actual particle that can be seen.

Iron Bacteria

This is harmless bacteria that feeds on iron forming a slimy growth in pressure tanks, softeners, plumbing, and toilet tanks. This type also clogs filters and is difficult to remove.a

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

Hydrogen sulfide gas is a naturally occurring contaminant, which gives water a disagreeable rotten egg odor or taste. This odor usually indicates the presence of some form of non-harmful mineral reducing bacteria in the well. Testing is challenging because it is a gas and it comes out of solution very quickly. There are no known health effects; however, hydrogen sulfide can also make the water somewhat corrosive.

Why does soft water make my skin feel slippery when bathing?

Soap residue does not rinse off easily in hard water. In soft water, it does rinse off easily. Therefore, you do not need to use as much soap. Soft water also allows your natural oils to come through giving you softer and healthier skin.

Still have questions? We have answers! Contact us today at (248) 891-0378 to speak with a water well and water treatment expert.