Well water advice?

[Happy]

I've never had issues with my well in 20 years here aside from replacing the submerged pump. It's drilled and I believe the pump is 50' down. The drilled cap is in a pit below ground level with a sealed cover over it. Never had an issue with run off getting in but I'm concerned that's what's happened. This morning it's very cloudy. I let it run for a bit but no change and I don't want to fill the septic up. I can hook up a hose and run it outside away from the house but is this the best thing to do? It's hovering around freezing today but the past 2 days have been above zero so there's been lots of thawing and there's standing water in the yard.

[Jaye]

I don't know what to tell you about the cloudiness because we've not had that happen here. Can you take a sample and get it tested?

[41714049]

Agree with Jaye... Recommend getting it tested. With a pit well that is possible. Pit wells should ideally be retrofitted to extend above grade like newer wells... I just had that done 2 years ago.

[Happy]

Yes I planned on testing it. But regardless of how the test comes back I’m not drinking this lol

I just don’t know if running the water away will help. I guess it depends on where the dirty stuff is coming from.
Thx

[Jaye]

I don't blame you, Happy. I wouldn't drink that either. Have you tried boiling it to see if that clears it up?

[Ontario Chick]

The cap below ground level is a problem.
Check Gov. sites on requirements, or your local well company,
the guidelines for drilled wells have changed, in our area and ALL caps had to be extended above ground level and sealed with clay around it.
I was tiny bit horrified when I found out (never had any well problems, test every spring) then found that there is a gov.sponsored program covering half the cost.
I think it cost us about $ 600 and got a $ 300 refund.
Wasn't that thrilled about having a 2 foot pipe sticking out of the ground in front of the house, but planted couple evergreens and looks fine.
If you have a water outlet that goes outside, you may want to let it run out for a few hours, it should clear up, but of course have it tested.

[Happy]

Thank-you @Ontario Chick for that info and advice. It's one of those things we knew had to be dealt with but there was always something to do (like take a trip lol)...priorities get muddled in my brain! I didn't know there was a govt sponsorship so that's awesome.
I did hook the hose up and ran it into the ravine for close to an hour. It's running much clearer now. Just letting everything settle for a bit then I will run it again. I cleared the rest of the snow off the well cover and lifted the cover up. It looks dry in there and I don't see any damage to the rubber seal so I don't know. Meanwhile bottled water until I can get a sample in tomorrow. I've always loved a January thaw until now!

[Shnookie]

I use a dugout for my water supply. When the level gets low the water quality is not as good. The cloudiness could be dirt or minerals. I would get it tested first. You may have to install some kind of filter.

[Home Grown Poultry]

Any wind turbines being built in your area? Around me wells are being destroyed when they start pounding in the pilings or whatever its called.... its all heavy metals. I so hope thats just dirt.

Take care Happy!

[Skinny rooster]

That looks like silt Happy so boiling won't help. There is no point in running your water if there is still water seeping down from the surface. Dirty water may have gotten in your cap or followed the pipe down to the well. It may clear up if things freeze up again but definitely have it tested.