Orange Tint in Water Samples

[Skier98]

We have well supply system, which treatment currently consists of only disinfection (Chlorine Gas). The water samples have an orange tint in the water in samples taken at the chlornine analyzer.

Any suggestions on organic or inorganic compounds that would cause this orange tint?

 

[btrueblood]

Check for iron (rust).

 

[GarySCWSVI]

Chlorination will cause dissolved iron to precipitate to Fe3 and will give the water that orange tint.

Gary Schreiber, CWS VI
The Purolite Co.

 

[CountOlaf]

Was that a trick question? Every residential well I've encountered has the same "mysterious" tint...

 

[Skier98]

The system consists of approximately 5 wells that serve approximately 1700 people. This system is less than a year old, and the well water analysis show Iron at <0.03 mg/L.

Other suggestions? Or elaborate on the current ones, please.

 

[bimr]

The color may be due to a trace of iron, manganese or sand. Since this is a well, it is unlikely that you have organic contamination of the ground water. Some wells also pump small amounts of sand.

You need to have the samples analyzed twice. The second sample needs to be a filtered sample so that it will help you understand the nature of the contaminant.

Very little information has been provided about the situation.

Are these deep wells or shallow wells?

Have the wells been disinfected?

Do all samples have the color, or just after chlorine?

What are the piping materials?

What chemicals are you feeding?

What is the complete water analysis?

 

[thewellguy]

Where is the gas being injected? It doesn't sound like you are getting chlorine in to the water table. If you are and you are running gas into the formation all the time, this would cause the orange tint and make a mess of the well.