algae in faucet

[inchworm]

I usually clean the bathrooms. I always clean the inside lip of the faucet where green gloop grows. I didn't think much about the fact that algae seemed to grow just inisde the faucet - I figured where water and air meets that you get algae. But DH found it last night and had a cow. Now he thinks we shouldn't be drinking our well water and wants to get the water tested. I guess we should get it tested anyway, but what do you think? Does algae grow in your faucet?

Inchy

 

[sylvie]

Couldn't you add chlorine to your well?
We add it to our cistern in warm weather otherwise we smell algae in the water.
I guess telling DH that scientists are considering "planting" algae on the moon and Mars to create an atmosphere and that your faucet may harbor a healthy solar system is out of the question?

 

[patandchickens]

That's not right. You REALLY shouldn't have algae there.

First possibility, are you sure it is algae or could it be that green stuff that you get when copper corrodes in acid water (from copper pipes, or from fixtures plated with another metal)

If it is algae, I'm with your husband, have your water tested, there should not be enough nutrients in your water to *support* algal growth, esp. not indoors. It is possible you have high nitrate/nitrite levels, which are really not good for you (in particular they can cause miscarriage in pregnant people/animals, and problems with babies and young animals; but not good for *adults* in high levels either). Make sure the water test you're having done will include nitrates/nitrites.

Also it would be worth chlorinating your well and the whole system in the house. You have to do this a specific way to make sure it ALL gets done, state extension services usually have bulletins describing the procedure (or google). But I would do this in addition to, not instead of, a water test.

Really, it does not cost all that much and is something you ought to know about one way or the other. Plus it will make your DH happy and you won't have to keep hearing about it

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[inchworm]

I have someone coming out this afternoon to collect water samples. They suggested I test for nitrates and bacteria.

Keeping my fingers crossed