Q: I am curious as to what an automatic down well system is worth.Ê
I live in a house on an acreage with three other people. Our well is 17 metres deep.
We have ample water flow, but we do have a problem with iron and sulfur smell.
I have installed a water softener-iron filter combination unit and it has taken care of the iron problem. However, we still have the smell.
We have also installed a reverse osmosis for the kitchen water and it comes out crystal clear. My concern is with the smell and taste of the rest of the water in the house, particularly with the smell of the hot water.
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I shock my hot water tank every six months or so, and that helps. I have also shocked my well a couple of times and that has had some success, although short-lived.Ê
Any guidance you could provide would be appreciated.Ê
A: You most likely are experiencing the problem commonly known as hydrogen sulfide gas.
If the odour is only in the hot water tank, then it may be the result of a reaction with the anode rod, which is usually made of magnesium. I suggest you remove the
anode rod from the hot water tank.
If you also have the odour in cold water, then hydrogen sulfide gas is present. To remove the odour, you can either install a storage tank in the basement and aerate the tank or inject a measured amount of chlorine on a continuous basis.
You may also want to install a small multi-media carbon filter to remove excess chlorine. This process will eliminate the hydrogen sulfide gas and also protect the water from possible bacteria contamination.
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.
