Why is my well water yellow?

Yellow or tea-colored well water is usually tannins, organic matter dissolved from decaying vegetation, common in shallow wells and near wetlands or peaty ground, or dissolved iron beginning to oxidize. Tannins stain but are not a health concern; the concern is what they signal, which is surface water reaching the well, so test for coliform bacteria alongside the color.

Two quick sorters: iron-yellow water turns orange and leaves rust stains, while tannin-yellow water stays tea-colored, foams slightly, and stains a faint yellow. A lab test separates them for certain.

Tannins take a specific treatment resin; iron takes an iron filter sized to the test result. Either way, a shallow well showing surface influence deserves a wellhead check and, if bacteria show up, a cleaning.

Want the dose sized to your exact well?

Answer a few questions and we will size your treatment dosage for you. The kit is from $329.