Spring is just around the corner and with better snow cover in most areas this year, spring runoff could cause some serious problems in dugouts.
Colour is one of the major problems, caused mainly by tannins from decaying vegetation. This problem may correct itself over a short time or may need treatment such as a membrane separation system under micro filtration, or a coagulation system using aluminum sulfate.
Sometimes spring runoff will cause dugouts to produce bad odours and taste. A qualified laboratory should test the water to determine the type of treatment needed. The majority of these cases will require some type of chlorination and filtration to remove bacteria, iron and manganese, followed by a separation system for colour removal.
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In my 20 years experience, iron bacteria is one of the biggest concerns. It causes the brown-red stains on laundry and plumbing fixtures such as toilets, dishwashers and bathtubs and sometimes can be quite a chore to clean.
The bacteria act as a glue in the water, causing the iron to adhere to fixtures.
Chlorine is the most common way to kill bacteria. Proper amounts must be applied on a continuous basis to effectively kill the bacteria, followed by a properly sized media filtration system to remove chlorine and oxidized material such as manganese and iron. The chlorine also will remove hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes the rotten egg odour.
According to Canadian and American water quality associations, neither water softeners nor iron filters are effective if iron or manganese is bound into organic matter. The easiest way to check for iron or manganese bacteria is to examine your toilet tank. If it is developing brown-red stains, you most likely have iron bacteria.
If it is developing black stains, you most likely have manganese bacteria.
Chlorination and a properly sized media filtration system will eliminate these problems. If
bacteria is not present, then you can install either a greensand iron filter or an air injection filter, which normally cost $800-$1,200.
In future columns, we’ll deal with problems such as hard water, sodium sulfates and nitrates.
If you have a specific water problem and would like advice, write to the Water Clinic, attention Philip Stadnyk, 850-47th St. E. Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 0X4, e-mail philip@thewaterclinic.com or phone 800-664-2561. Stadnyk is president of the Water Clinic and a member of the Canadian Water Quality Association. His views do not necessarily reflect those of The Western Producer.
