I recently (beginning of 2010) had my well re-drilled from 382' to 750', hitting approx 7 GPM at 725', with a SWL of 200' below the surface. The original well yield was approximately 10 gallons per hour, which was basically useless for more than two people. The geology is a hard diabase, being uniform the whole way down.
I installed a 1HP Franklin at 400' below the surface, and the water system seems to work fine. While drilling, I noticed that some of the drillings had what I would call a "moldy/slightly petroleum" smell to them. After we drilled and had the pump installed, the water developed this smell/taste. I had a lab test done for coliform and nitrates, which was good, and had Sears run a hardness (9 grains, but no problem with lather), clear iron (didn't show as containing any), and pH (7).
I've smelled sulphur water many times in my life, and this doesn't have that same smell. I suspected iron bacteria, but after the clear iron test and due to the fact that I don't have any red staining (my water is also as crystal clear as can be), I think this could be ruled out.
About 1 week after the smell began, I dropped about 15 calcium hypochlorite tablets in the well, and this took the smell and taste away for about one week, with it then coming back. I then shock treated the well (concentration approx. 300 PPM) for approx. 24 hours, and the smell and taste came back in about two weeks. While draining the shocked water, I would see small clumps of black "slimy" matter here and there.
Does anyone have any idea what this could be, and if so, what type of recommended equipment could be used to treat it? Thanks for any information.
-Tyson
I installed a 1HP Franklin at 400' below the surface, and the water system seems to work fine. While drilling, I noticed that some of the drillings had what I would call a "moldy/slightly petroleum" smell to them. After we drilled and had the pump installed, the water developed this smell/taste. I had a lab test done for coliform and nitrates, which was good, and had Sears run a hardness (9 grains, but no problem with lather), clear iron (didn't show as containing any), and pH (7).
I've smelled sulphur water many times in my life, and this doesn't have that same smell. I suspected iron bacteria, but after the clear iron test and due to the fact that I don't have any red staining (my water is also as crystal clear as can be), I think this could be ruled out.
About 1 week after the smell began, I dropped about 15 calcium hypochlorite tablets in the well, and this took the smell and taste away for about one week, with it then coming back. I then shock treated the well (concentration approx. 300 PPM) for approx. 24 hours, and the smell and taste came back in about two weeks. While draining the shocked water, I would see small clumps of black "slimy" matter here and there.
Does anyone have any idea what this could be, and if so, what type of recommended equipment could be used to treat it? Thanks for any information.
-Tyson