Although there are many types of bacteria that can be found in wells, there are two groups of bacteria that generally prompt one to chlorinate a well. The first group is coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria is found in all decaying organic materials. This includes anything from bugs, animals, leaves and grass to raw sewage. Because coliform exists under all of these conditions, the presence of coliform is a good indication that the water has bacteria contamination that should be removed. If a water "safety" test shows the presence of any coliform bacteria, the water will be given an "unsatisfactory" rating. If you suspect that coliform bacteria may be present or have never tested for bacteria, have a laboratory test done before installing any water treatment equipment. If your well already tested "unsatisfactory," have the well chlorinated. After the chlorination, wait two to four weeks and have the test done again. If the test is still "unsatisfactory", contact us about chlorination or ultraviolet systems. The second group of bacteria (sometimes called iron bacteria) will stain fixtures; foul pumps and treatment equipment; and create a "rotten-egg" or other odor. This type of bacteria will usually not show up in a standard bacteria test. It will show up as slime in your toilet tank or "fuzzy" brown sediment developing in a glass or water that has been left sitting for a few days.

Please keep the following in mind when your well is chlorinated:

1. The well must be left UNUSED for at LEAST SIX HOURS and preferably OVERNIGHT.
2. Because it is necessary for us to run the water at each fixture in the house (including the washing machine and dishwasher), we will need to be able to get into the house.
3. DO NOT PUT AMMONIA in any of the fixtures until the well and fixtures have been flushed. Chlorine and ammonia form a poisonous gas.
4. Because the high level of chlorine required to sanitize a water system is corrosive to most metals, DO NOT ALLOW THE CHLORINE SOLUTION TO SET IN WATER SYSTEM FOR MORE THAN 36 HOURS.
5. DO NOT USE THE WATER UNTIL THE WELL IS FLUSHED. The flushing will require the water to be run for several hours or until the water runs clear and the strong odor of chlorine disappears. This is best done by placing a hose on an outside faucet so the water does not run through the septic system. Be careful not to run the well dry. It will take a few days to a few weeks for the chlorine odor to completely disappear.
6. If your water contains iron or manganese, the water will run red or black. This is not uncommon and will disappear when the well is flushed.
7. Whenever a water system is worked on, particles that have accumulated within the pipes will sometimes break loose and will be trapped in faucet strainers. After flushing the well, it may be necessary for you to remove the faucet strainers and rise them clean.
8. It may be necessary to drain the hot water tank to get the water to run clear. DO NOT DRAIN TANK WITHOUT SHUTTING THE TANK HEATER OFF.
9. It should be understood that iron type bacteria may reoccur in the future necessitating chlorination again.