What is the difference?

Tannins are a natural organic material that can be the byproducts of nature’s fermentation process, created as water passes through peaty soil and decaying vegetation. This can cause water to have a faint yellow to tea-like color, and can cause yellow staining on fabrics, fixtures, china, and laundry.

Tannins may give a tangy or tart aftertaste to water. They may also cause water to have a musty or earthy odor. Tannins (also known as fulvic or humic acid) are more common in surface water supplies and shallow wells than in deep wells. Water in marshy, low-lying, or coastal areas is also more susceptible to tannins.

Tannins are considered an aesthetic problem. While they may make water unappealing to drink and stain laundry, they present no health risk. However, if you are considering water treatment, comprehensive water testing is necessary to help determine which treatment method will be most effective.

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Turbidity is the measure of cloudiness of a liquid, imagine the way smoke can make air appear cloudy. Turbidity in water is caused by large numbers of suspended organic and inorganic particles, such as sediments or microscopic organisms. These particles are picked up as water moves through rock and soil, and into your groundwater supply.

High turbidity levels can shield harmful microbiological contaminants from the effects of drinking water disinfection and some treatment devices like ultraviolet (UV) lights. Therefore, it is imperative to keep turbidity levels low when treating your water.

EPA has set the public drinking water standard for turbidity at 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) for public water systems. Well owners should use the EPA’s standard as a guideline.

If your water looks cloudy, you should have your water tested for turbidity. If you are considering installing a water treatment system, comprehensive water testing is vital.

Continue reading about Turbidity and Well Water.