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    valeriesmells's Avatar
    valeriesmells Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 30, 2010, 03:12 PM
    We have well water and now we taste and smell motor oil
    We have had no problems with our well water until today. We have noticed a funny taste and a smell of motor oil. What could this be?
    tickle's Avatar
    tickle Posts: 23,796, Reputation: 2674
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    #2

    Aug 30, 2010, 03:53 PM

    What could this be? Well motor oil has reached the ground water, below the water table so you have to take your complaint and a sample of your water to the near testing station.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 31, 2010, 04:01 AM

    Hi guys...

    Very unlikely that motor oil has gotten into a 50 to 100 foot deep (or deeper) well system... ;)

    More likely is that the well water has become contaminated with some kind of a bacterial infestation or has been inundated by a particular mineral deposit and overwhelmed the water supply... maybe?

    Best bet here, as mentioned above, will be to find a reputable water analysis company and have your water tested.

    When you fill a glass container do you see any discoloration or see any sediment in the container when held up to the sun? If so, that is an indication that the water is contaminated, for sure!

    Let us know if you want to discuss more...

    Mark
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