Tests to order in MN
- Iron
- Manganese
- Turbidity
- Tannins
- Coliform bacteria
Minnesota well water problem / Brown Well Water
Brown Well Water in Minnesota
Water turns brown, tea-colored, or muddy. For Minnesota private wells, the safest path is to match the symptom with lab testing before choosing treatment.
Likely causes
- Iron
- Manganese
- Sediment
- Tannins
- Well casing issues
What to do next
- Avoid drinking visibly dirty water
- Inspect well cap and casing
- Flush and retest after disturbances
Related Minnesota well water topics
Rotten Egg Smell in Well Water
Water smells like rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage.
Orange or Rust Stains from Well Water
Sinks, tubs, toilets, or laundry develop orange-brown stains.
Black Stains in Well Water
Black staining appears on fixtures, laundry, or toilet tanks.
Blue-Green Stains from Well Water
Blue or green stains appear around drains and fixtures.
Salty Tasting Well Water
Water tastes salty, brackish, or mineral-heavy.
Metallic Taste in Well Water
Water tastes metallic, bitter, or like pennies.
Keep your well history
Interpret once on the web. Track forever in the app.
Save test history, set annual reminders, compare results over time, and create a shareable report for your family or water professional.
Track symptoms and lab results in the app