Why Is My Well Water Suddenly Cloudy or Dirty?
If your well water is suddenly cloudy, murky, or discolored, it’s a sign that something in your water system isn’t functioning properly. It’s alarming to see but also very common and can happen to homeowners throughout New Mexico — especially during heavy rain, drought, or after well repairs.
At Boylan Water Well Service & Supply, Inc., we have helped countless Santa Fe area homeowners identify the cause of their cloudy or dirty well water and restore their clean water supply safely and efficiently.
Let’s look at some of the common causes and solutions for cloudy or dirty well water and when it’s time to call for professional help.
Common Causes of Cloudy Well Water
1. Sediment
The most common cause of cloudy well water is sediment — tiny particles of sand, silt, or clay suspended in the water. Sediment can get stirred up for several reasons:
- Heavy rainfall or flooding around your well
- Pumping your well too rapidly
- A damaged or aging well casing
- Shifting groundwater tables
Over time, sediment buildup inside your well can erode your pump and clog filters. A professional sediment flush and filtration check from Boylan Water Well Service can restore clarity quickly.
2. Air Bubbles in the Water
Sometimes what looks like “cloudy” water is caused by trapped air bubbles.
You can test this easily by filling a glass with cloudy water and setting it on the counter. If the cloudiness clears from the bottom up in a few minutes, it’s likely just air.
Air in the water supply can result from:
- A drop in water table level
- A failing pump check valve
- Small air leaks in the well system
Boylan Water Well Service technicians can inspect your system for pressure leaks and repair them before they affect pump efficiency.
3. Iron, Manganese, or Other Minerals
If your water looks rusty, orange, or brownish, you’re probably dealing with iron or manganese buildup. Iron and manganese minerals occur naturally in New Mexico groundwater and can stain plumbing fixtures or cause your water to have a metallic taste.
A water quality test will confirm whether high mineral content is to blame. Boylan offers custom filtration system installation to correct these issues and restore water purity.
4. Bacterial Contamination
Cloudy water accompanied by foul odors (such as sulfur or “rotten eggs”) can also indicate bacterial contamination. Iron bacteria and sulfur bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in the warm, moist environments of well systems.
Boylan Water Well Service offers chlorination and shock disinfection services to sanitize your well, eliminate bacterial growth, and ensure your water is safe to drink.
When to Call for Professional Santa Fe Well Service Help
If your well water stays cloudy for more than 24 hours or if you notice color, odor, or sediment, it’s time to call a professional. Persistent cloudiness can signal structural damage or contamination.
Boylan’s certified team will:
- Inspect your well casing and pump
- Test your water quality
- Flush and disinfect the system
- Recommend the best filtration solution
Summing it All Up
Your family depends on safe, clean water and when that changes, it’s critical to act quickly. For expert well water testing, sediment flushing, and filtration installation in New Mexico, contact Boylan Water Well Service & Supply, Inc.
📞 Call (505) 438-3416 for emergency or scheduled service today.