BROWN WATER

By John Hraska

I have been receiving a lot of calls regarding brown water or colored water and the operator has to look at the possible cause before panicking. This is the time of year that we receive calls regarding colored water due to low well or surface supplies. The situation is that if our wells or surface water supplies drop in production, it may happen that we may draw from a stratum or experience a reservoir turnover that is; our source water may contain iron, manganese, or some other color-causing agent. Sometimes we overlook some of the simple causes and panic. Lets take a look at some of the problems we may have. The first thing we should consider is that if we have changed the direction of flow in any way, we could be causing the problem. This is unintentional, but it can happen. Reversal of flow can "scrub" the pipe and cause colored water. Many systems had a water supply at one end of the village, gravity surface water or spring supply, and to avoid filtration have opted to put in wells at the opposite end of the village (community). This can cause a reversal of flow and can cause sloughing off of tuberculin deposits in the piping, which is in ALL pipes. Some people don't believe that this is a serious problem. I can tell you that it is a very common, serious problem that can't be remedied with anything other than time and system flushing. Some system flushing can also cause colored water, so we are looking at a double jeopardy problem. It is a fact that the operator will be blamed in any event. To avoid a serious confrontation, the operator should investigate the cause of the colored water and present the facts to his governing board. As we continue, we will see that the solution to many colored water problems is investigation and a plan to alleviate the problem. Sometimes an increase in flows, due to an enlargement of the system, can cause the problems. Again, the only solution is systematic flushing, and it takes a long time and many events to eliminate the problem. Just because the water has turbidity, it doesn't mean that it is "dangerous". Even the find of coliform bacteria is not a conclusion that the water is contaminated or polluted. Coliform bacteria is an "INDICATOR" that there "MAY" be a problem in the system. A boil water order only means a precautionary action. The possibility of iron or manganese being present in the source water is also a possible cause for color in the water. These constituents should be checked on a regular basis. This is not a hard test and can be performed by the on site operator, if he has the proper test kits and equipment (not expensive at all). When least expected, a lake turnover or an over-draw on a well can cause an influx of iron and manganese. In well systems, an existing iron content in the aquifer can, over a period of time, cause the growth of iron bacteria on the intakes of the pumps. This will end up in the system. I cannot emphasize the importance of a constant monitoring of the source water in a system. This proves if the problem is from the source or from the distribution system. Many of the brown water situations are only temporary but are very obnoxious. No one likes to see water coming out of the faucet colored. Some of the problems are simple and can be mechanically taken care of, but there are also situations that involve testing of the source water to determine if the problem is in the source water or the distribution system. There is a problem with design; most systems feel that if there is a problem with water, the solution is to improve the source or the treatment process. Unfortunately, the problem may be in the distribution system. A great well supply or a super surface supply with filtration served in a dirty glass "old distribution system" has a negative effect on the satisfaction of the consumer on line. It's unfortunate that most people believe that if their supply is great, their delivery system will be the same. Most operators have participated in the repair of a water break. It may be a good idea to save a piece of the existing water main, with the tuberculin deposits, for sort of a "show and tell", when complaints of dirty water come in. This way people can be shown that there is a problem in their distribution system and not with the source or the treatment process. Dirty water does not mean that the water is contaminated, but there are bacteria that can hide in the dirt particles and can be harmful. Therefore, we must be cautious and treat the event with caution. Always notify your local Health Official. Don't let them hear it from someone else. They are not going to "burn" you but may be very helpful in alleviating the problem.

Hard water may cause staining and you will get complaints of dirty water. Hardness should also be tested on a regular basis. Again, the test kits are inexpensive and the operator can do the tests on site. It is relatively simple to eliminate hardness and eliminate your problems. The same goes for iron and manganese removal. There is a cost, of course, but it is small compared to the heartache of constant calls of dirty water. If you have any of these problems, give us a call and we can work with you to determine the cause of the dirty water and suggest possible cures. We do have the test kits to do the needed tests.