Tests to run
- Iron
- Manganese
- Turbidity
- Tannins
- Coliform bacteria
Problems
Brown Well Water
Water turns brown, tea-colored, or muddy.
Likely causes
- Iron
- Manganese
- Sediment
- Tannins
- Well casing issues
Next steps
- Avoid drinking visibly dirty water
- Inspect well cap and casing
- Flush and retest after disturbances
Brown Well Water by state
Alabama
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Alaska
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Arizona
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Arkansas
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
California
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Colorado
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Connecticut
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Delaware
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
District of Columbia
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Florida
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Georgia
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Hawaii
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Idaho
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Illinois
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Indiana
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Iowa
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Kansas
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Kentucky
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Louisiana
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Maine
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Maryland
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Massachusetts
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Michigan
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Minnesota
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Mississippi
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Missouri
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Montana
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Nebraska
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Nevada
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
New Hampshire
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
New Jersey
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
New Mexico
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
New York
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
North Carolina
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
North Dakota
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Ohio
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Oklahoma
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Oregon
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Pennsylvania
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Rhode Island
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
South Carolina
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
South Dakota
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Tennessee
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Texas
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Utah
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Vermont
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Virginia
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Washington
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
West Virginia
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Wisconsin
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
Wyoming
State-specific guide for interpreting results in private wells.
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Download the iOS appEducational guidance only. Always confirm important decisions with a certified laboratory, local health department, qualified water treatment professional, or clinician.