Post-Summer Water Testing: Iron, Sulfur & Bacteria in Texas Wells

After a long Texas summer, your well water quality can change — and you might not even know it. Heavy rainfall, drought, or increased irrigation can stir up sediment and bacteria deep underground. If your water starts smelling like rotten eggs or leaves orange stains on fixtures, it’s time for a post-summer water test to make sure your supply is safe, clean, and reliable.

Why Water Quality Changes After Summer

Texas wells experience extreme temperature swings and fluctuating water tables throughout the year. Summer heat and irrigation cause drawdown, exposing minerals and bacteria that normally stay deep in the aquifer. Then, early fall rains can wash contaminants into shallow wells. Testing your water after the summer season ensures nothing harmful is left undetected.

Common Contaminants Found in Texas Wells

• Iron: Causes orange or rust-colored stains on sinks, tubs, and clothing. Often accompanied by metallic taste.
• Sulfur (hydrogen sulfide): Produces a rotten-egg odor and black residue. Indicates anaerobic bacterial activity or mineral reaction.
• Coliform bacteria: Can enter wells through cracks in the well cap or casing, especially after heavy rain or flooding.
• E. coli: A serious contaminant from surface runoff or septic leakage — requires immediate disinfection.
• Turbidity: Cloudiness or sediment that reduces clarity and may signal pump or casing wear.

When & How to Test Your Well Water

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) recommends testing your well at least once a year — preferably after summer when contamination risk is highest. You can use a certified lab or schedule a professional water test through 77 Water Well. We collect samples directly from your faucet or pressure tank and provide a detailed report on minerals, bacteria, and pH balance.

What We Test For:

• Coliform and E. coli bacteria
• Iron, manganese, and hardness minerals
• Sulfur, nitrate, and total dissolved solids (TDS)
• Chloride, pH, and alkalinity

How to Fix Common Water Quality Issues

• Iron and manganese: Install an oxidizing filter or water softener to remove staining minerals.
• Sulfur odor: Shock chlorinate the well or install an aeration and carbon filtration system.
• Bacterial contamination: Perform well disinfection (shock chlorination) and repair cracked caps or casings.
• Cloudy or gritty water: Have your well inspected for casing damage or pump wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is well water testing expensive?

Basic tests for bacteria and minerals are affordable — usually under $200. Comprehensive lab tests provide deeper insights into chemical composition and are worth the investment for long-term health.

Can I use store-bought test kits?

DIY kits can detect basic contaminants, but they’re not as accurate as professional lab analysis. For peace of mind, use certified testing services.

How often should I disinfect my well?

Disinfection is recommended annually, after flooding, or any time water taste or odor changes.

What’s the best way to remove iron or sulfur?

Install filtration systems sized for your household and water chemistry. Our team designs custom treatment solutions for Texas water conditions.

Call the Experts

Don’t wait until you see stains or smell sulfur. Call (281) 378-7020 or contact 77 Water Well today to schedule your comprehensive water test. We’ll ensure your well water stays safe, clean, and great-tasting all year long.