What Is Iron Bacteria?
Iron bacteria are tiny organisms that consume iron to survive. They produce deposits of red or brown slime called “biofilm.” The organisms occur naturally in shallow soils and ground water.
Iron bacteria are not harmful to humans but can create conditions that can cause other disease-causing organisms to grow. This can also cause well production problems and clogging issues.
If you suspect iron bacteria, have the water tested by providing a sample to your local health unit or laboratory.
Signs of Iron Bacteria
· Swampy smell
· Rotten taste
· Red or brown slime in toilet tank
· Rainbow color, oil-like sheen
How to Avoid Iron Bacteria
· Organisms can be present on soil when doing repair work, avoid putting equipment on the ground when repairs are being done
· Make sure the well is covered with a properly fit well cap
· Disinfect well and equipment after repairs
Treatment of Iron Bacteria
· Remove and clean well pump and pipe
· Scrub well casing or flush well
· Chemical treatment – it is best to contact a well contractor to treat the well chemically
· Chlorine is best for chemical treatments
Check out this link by Alberta Health to find out how to shock your well
Chlorine is a cheap and easy way to disinfect a well but the concentration and contact time between the chemical and the water is important. To kill all the iron bacteria in your well, the treatment may need to be performed more than once.
If iron bacteria cannot be contained to the well, chlorine treatment in the house may be the only way to control the issue. If you have had your well shocked and you are still noticing staining or smell issues, contact Alberta Water Systems at 780-449-9295.
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