Crazy well water

[fishorama]

Yeah , that's what I'm thinking too, Phil.

Your county health department could probably have it checked for you. If not try your agricultural agent. If they can't help, try the state agencies. For your own sake, and your family's, you need to know what's in your water. Just because the water came out of the ground does not make it safe. Some wells have high concentrations of
atrazine and other ag agents. Some also have heavy metal problems, mine run off problems, etc.

 

[Bartley]

I can have the local coop send it in. I am certain it has been tested in the past by my father in law and he never mentioned it being unsuitable for drinking when we moved into the yard. That being said we use RO for drinking water either way(the taste of the well water is not very pleasant).
I can use RO for fish easy enough it is just that our filter is like 10gal per day so it is slow.

 

[Bartley]

Here are my test results. Sorry it is a little blurry. Any comments from someone more educated than me? I know sodium is high. TDS is high.

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

Damn, that is a lot of sodium sulfate. I have seen higher concentrations for sure, but it was in waste water, not groundwater. Are you near any mines by chance? If you are going to be keeping fish like cardinals, I'd recommend getting another RO unit. There are relatively inexpensive units that work well, like the RO Buddie brand. Sodium sulfate is extremely difficult to remove, and your KH would make it difficult to lower your pH.

 

[Bartley]

I am using RO now. My filter is slow but I am just hoarding water in the basement. I will probably eventually upgrade to a faster one. I knew our well wasn't great but didn't think levels were that high. Glad I tested it. I guess we don't drink the water anyway.

 

[Bunsen Honeydew]

How big is your tank (how much water do you need for a water change)?

 

[Bartley]

55 gal tank. So 20 ish gallons depending on how big of a water change. I have an unfinished basement with a 30 gallon drum that I collect water in for now.