1 - Unpleasant Odors Like Rotten Eggs or Mustiness

If your water smells like rotten eggs or has a musty, earthy odor, it’s often a sign of hydrogen sulfide gas or bacteria in the well. This isn’t just an issue of bad smell—it can indicate the presence of sulfur-reducing bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments like deep wells.

In Southeastern parts of New York and the Southwestern corner of Connecticut, these odors are especially common after heavy rains or seasonal changes that stir up sediment. A proper filtration system can neutralize these smells and make your water safe and pleasant to use again.

2 - Cloudy or Discolored Water

If your tap water looks cloudy, rusty, or has a brown or orange tint, it could be due to excess sediment, iron, or manganese in your well. These minerals can get stirred up naturally or enter your water through corroding pipes or soil runoff.

While not always harmful to your health, cloudy or discolored water can stain your fixtures, damage appliances, and signal bigger issues within your well system. Filtration can help clear up your water and protect your home from long-term mineral buildup.

3 - Stains on Fixtures, Laundry, or Dishes

Noticing reddish-brown stains in your sink or toilet? Or maybe your white laundry is coming out with yellowish marks? These are signs of high iron, manganese, or tannins in your well water. Over time, these minerals can leave stubborn stains on porcelain, clothing, and dishware.

Even if the water looks clear, it can still contain enough minerals to cause visible staining. A water filtration system designed to remove iron and other staining agents can help keep your fixtures and fabrics clean—and save you from constant scrubbing or replacing stained items.

4 - Metallic or Bitter Taste

A metallic or bitter taste in your drinking water is often caused by elevated levels of iron, copper, or zinc—usually from corroding pipes or naturally occurring minerals in the groundwater. While not always dangerous, this taste is unpleasant and can signal issues that should be addressed before they worsen. If you notice a metallic or bitter taste in your water, it's important to have your water tested. Churyk Company specializes in water testing and can identify the cause of the taste, recommending solutions such as installing a filtration system or replacing old pipes.

5 - Recurring Illness or Digestive Issues

Frequent stomach discomfort, nausea, or other unexplained illnesses in your household may be linked to contaminated well water. Harmful bacteria, nitrates, or viruses can enter your well through surface runoff, nearby septic systems, or damaged well components.

These contaminants are often invisible and have no odor or taste, making them easy to overlook. Regular water testing and the right filtration system are essential for protecting your health and ensuring your water is safe to drink.

Clean Water Starts at the Source

From strange smells to stubborn stains, the signs that your well water needs filtration are often right in front of you. Addressing these issues early not only improves the taste, clarity, and safety of your water—it protects your family’s health and your home’s plumbing system.

If you've noticed any of these signs, it's time to take action. Churyk Company in Bedford Hills, NY, has been the trusted name in well water solutions since 1947, proudly serving Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Whether you need expert well water testing services in Somers, NY or you need a new water filtration system installed in Greenwich, CT, we can help! Call us today at (203) 322-6300 or (914) 764-4600 or schedule service online to schedule a consultation or water test with our experienced team.