AboutSteve Young Expertise I will answer questions on residential water treatment, i.e. use of softeners, filters, reverse osmosis systems, disinfection, iron and/or sediment removal and other issues facing the homeowner.
Experience I have worked in the water treatment area for 15 years. I have specialized in the design of reverse osmosis, deionization, and water softening units. I have also done work in water quality and stream and river remediation as it relates to the Clean Water Act.
Organizations I am currently serving as an Expert for Home Improvement, Travel (New Mexico) and Travel (North Carolina)
Expert: Steve Young Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Water well quality after extended pipe leak
Question I recently replaced the entire pumping system for my well. It is a deep well at 349 feet. The static water level is 159 ft. The original pump was place at 280 feet. I was advised and agreed to lower the pump to 320 feet with the replacement. This well produces 65 GPM with very clear water. However, this past weekend a pipe that feeds our water garden burst while we were away and may have run for 10 hours before I shut it off. This has resulted in very heavily sediment now entering our domestic water supply. I am hoping by reducing our usage the well will recharge and clear up. Is that likely? Is there are correct method to purge the lines? What type of sediment filter can hangle lots of fine gravel?
Answer Hi Robert,
You have diagnosed the problem exactly as I would have. I am fairly certain that the well water will return to it's previous state as the well recharges. The type of filter that will handle sediment is something like the one at this web site: http://www.filterwater.com/pc-111-14-high-flow-whole-house-filter-triple.aspx
Hopefully, it would only be used on a temporary basis.
Another thing you may want to consider is an automatic pump shutoff control system. This system would activate and shut down the pump after it has run for some predetermined period of time. Check with your well company for information on this kind of a system.
Please let me know if you have any other questions or if I can help out in any other way. Good luck.
Steve
