01/27/2026
Iron bacteria in well water are non-hazardous, naturally occurring microorganisms that consume iron and produce a reddish-brown, slimy, or jelly-like biofilm. They cause significant plumbing issues, including clogged pipes, fouled water softeners, and foul odors (rotten egg, sewage, or fuel oil). Treatment generally involves "shocking the well with chlorine" (shock chlorination), though severe cases may require professional cleaning with acids or surfactants.
Symptoms and Detection:
Appearance:
Red, yellow, orange, or brown slimy deposits on fixtures, toilets, or filters.
Odor/Taste:
Swampy, musty, cucumber, or petroleum-like, often stronger after the water sits.
Sheen:
An oily, rainbow-colored, or metallic sheen on the water surface that breaks apart when touched.
System Issues: Reduced water flow, clogged pipes, and damaged pumping equipment.
Treatment and Removal:
Shock Chlorination: Pouring bleach into the well and allowing it to sit for 24 hours to kill bacteria is a common, though sometimes temporary, fix.
Professional Cleaning:
In severe cases, a contractor may use acids, surfactants, or physical scrubbing to remove build-up.
Long-Term Management:
Installing an iron filter or water softener, maintaining a sealed, clean, and properly constructed well, and, in some cases, continuous disinfection systems.
Health and Safety:
Health Effects: While iron bacteria are not known to cause disease, they can create environments where other, harmful bacteria can grow.
Testing:
It is recommended to test the water for total coliform bacteria and nitrates in addition to iron bacteria. We can provide bacteria testing through a simple water test for a fee. This will provide information on E.Coli, total Coliforms, water hardness, Iron/Iron Bacteria, Manganese, PH, Tannin, TDS, color, rust, suspended matter, and odor.
Contact us for a free DIY chlorination guide to keep your well clean and properly operating OR to schedule a water test to get an exact breakdown of what is in the water you and your family use from day to day!
Photo below is from a well right here in Crawford County. Left untreated, this water line connected to the pump has become almost completely clogged due to Iron Bacteria. This is the main line that supplies water to the household, carrying all of that bacteria directly into the house.
