Discolored well water is alarming the first time it happens — but it's usually identifiable in under a minute and fixable once you know the cause. Start here.
| Color | Likely Cause | Full Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Orange or rust-colored | Iron — the most common cause of discolored well water | Iron in Well Water → |
| Dark brown or black | Manganese — often occurs alongside iron | Manganese in Well Water → |
| Reddish, worse after sitting overnight | Corroding household pipes, not the aquifer — test at the main line before it enters the house | No treatment guide needed — a plumber diagnosis is the next step |
| Recurs after every rainstorm | Possible crack in the well casing allowing surface water in | Have the well professionally inspected |
Iron and manganese discoloration isn't a short-term health risk, but don't do laundry with heavily discolored water — it permanently stains fabric. If discoloration appeared suddenly with no clear cause (not rain, not construction, not a power outage), test for bacteria — surface water intrusion that causes discoloration often carries contamination with it. See the Coliform Bacteria Guide.
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