Hardware cloth rusting in dug well

Hi there. The dug well at our off-grid cabin was built by the previous owner and I have found a few problems with it, at least one of which I posted about previously. Recently I've noticed another: the hardware cloth the previous owner used in the concrete forms is exposed to the water in a couple of places (not fully covered by concrete) and appears to be rusting. I have asked previous owner what type of metal the hardware cloth is; he doesn't know. This has gotten me very concerned about what might be / maybe has been leaching into the water. I'm waiting on a metals test to arrive, but looking for any suggestions about how to remedy this.

I'm not sure I can realistically cover the exposed metal at this time of year—even if I drain the well, a pain in the ass in itself, it's so cold that I'm not sure I could get concrete to cure over the exposed cloth. I've also wondered about some type of screen on the poly pipe that feeds the cabin from the well—any recommendations there?

I'm not gonna drink it while I wait for the water test, but I do use it to shower and wash dishes. How do people feel about that?

I'll certainly repost once I get metals results.

Maybe galvanized?

https://www.bucket-outlet.com/Is-Galvanized-Steel-Toxic.htm

If it's "hardware cloth" sold in hardware stores which is a grid of thin wire with maybe 1/2" squares, it's most likely galvanized steel.  If it's something beefier like a remesh or rebar it's probably bare steel.

Many plumbing systems (mine included) still have galvanized steel piping in them that is in various stages of decomposition.  So I think I'd say that your water probably isn't any worse than mine.  

I wouldn't be worried about pieces breaking off, they'd likely just sink to the bottom.  I'd be totally fine with using it for showers and dishes.

Hey,

Thanks for the replies. Gonna test the water this week and see what comes back...

I should say I was re-alerted to this problem last week after opening up the well and seeing what appeared to be a lot of iron bacteria near the top of the well. In the past it had looked like these exposed sections of hardware cloth were starting to rust a little and I'd fish out little pieces of rust but that seems to have gotten a lot worse. I think a lot probably is sinking to the bottom or else I'd be seeing more (water from the tap looks pretty clear).

Anyway, this iron bacteria got me wondering about what else is in there.

As a Civil Engineer I work a lot with water, but never with wells, I have only dealt with them on Permies and its been an interesting journey.
I encourage people to use rainfall catchment and use where practical.
- It may be more cost effective
- does not have great ongoing costs
- is generally safe
- can be set up by almost anybody.

Iron bacteria are of no threat to human health.
They are found naturally in soils and water in low numbers and will thrive as more iron becomes available.
However, the orange slime in the water or leaching from the shore is often considered to be an aesthetic problem.

Fast setting mortars are available to repair most cement based surfaces.
How big is the well?
Can it be replastered?

Pipe screens are always a good idea, providing you keep and eye on it to keep it clear. I assume the outlet is located about the bottom?

Will Solol wrote:Hey,

Thanks for the replies. Gonna test the water this week and see what comes back...

I should say I was re-alerted to this problem last week after opening up the well and seeing what appeared to be a lot of iron bacteria near the top of the well. In the past it had looked like these exposed sections of hardware cloth were starting to rust a little and I'd fish out little pieces of rust but that seems to have gotten a lot worse. I think a lot probably is sinking to the bottom or else I'd be seeing more (water from the tap looks pretty clear).

Anyway, this iron bacteria got me wondering about what else is in there.

HI Will, when you get you metals report back you iron content will probably be higher then municipal water but probably nothing to worry about. It won't be caused by the mesh most likely but by the iron naturally present in your water. Iron isnt a horrible thing to have in your water the problem lies with the iron reducing bacteria. I had to resort to a 20 then a 5 micron filter changed regularly and a UV filter to kill the bactiria as well as yearly disassembly of the glass sleeve for cleaning. All that to avoid the rust staining the bacteria causes and the slow constriction of water pipes and fitting that can result. Now mine was an extreme example but it was all naturally occuring iron. The local river was called the "irondale" for a reason.
Cheers,

Hey just an update for anyone interested: tests came back and iron was actually pretty normal, but manganese was a little high. Well below advisory levels, but around the secondary maximum contaminant level. This may explain the (very mild) staining I sometimes see.

Anyway hopefully when it's warmer I can seal up the places where that hardware cloth is sticking out.

Because of this (and other issues related to this jenky well) I'm looking for some input on effective, off-grid water filtration. Started a new thread here for any one interested:

https://permies.com/t/212532/grid-water-filter-tips

Thanks for all the help!