Biological Clogging Problems

Well Treatment for Iron Bacteria

Groundwater being pumped into a standpipe Photo: L. Schwankl

Iron bacteria can be introduced to the well at the time it is drilled and once present is very difficult to eliminate. Most treatments simply keep the iron bacteria problem under control.

The iron bacteria are a filamentous bacteria that will show up as a slimy contaminant in the microirrigation system. The filamentous contaminant can act as a net to catch particulate contaminants, further increasing the risk of clogging. A “swampy” smell is also characteristic of water contaminated with iron bacteria.

The common treatment for iron bacteria in a well is to chlorinate the well with a high concentration of chlorine (shock treatment). It is important to leave this chlorinated water in the well for at least a day, longer is better. Then the well should be flushed clean. There are a number of excellent web sites describing the shock chlorine treatment of a well. Simply search using “Iron bacteria in well”.