Algae growing on whole house filter

[jillofalltrades]

Hello. I bought my house 15 months ago. It had a whole house filter system with two clear plastic tanks with filters in them. This summer I replaced the filters, and one housing unit (it was cracked.) Recently, I noticed there is green stuff growing inside the plastic housing unit - on the unit itself and on the filters. I know I need to change the filters ASAP but am wondering if it is dangerous to our health, as all the household water passes through there. What would causing this to happen? The unit is near a window, and I know sunlight is a factor. But should I be concerned about our well water? Thanks for any advice!!

[Gary Slusser]

The sunlight from the window is allowing this but the algae had to be introduced inside the housing or it wouldn't be growing in the housings unless it was coming in with the water. Which is most likely but shouldn't be a concern unless you allow it to continue to grow. And then I don't know that it would cause any health problems but I'm not a doctor (of anything).

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[jillofalltrades]

Gary,

Thank you for your reply. I'll be changing those filters this week, and will clean the filter housings with bleach and see what happens. If it's coming from the well - is that normal? (I've got small kids at home and want to make sure they aren't getting sick from our water.)

[Gary Slusser]

Are they or have they been sick?... everyone has to eat x lb of dirt etc.. fear is the only thing to fear... All water has some invisible dirt and some bacteria in it. Without bacteria, we die and what doesn't kill us makes us stronger... and I don't think your water is harmful.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2

[jillofalltrades]

Well, the kids do claim to be sick every morning - but I think that has more to do with school than the water. I drink tea - lots of it - every day.. and I do tend to get headaches a lot, but I also have some neck problems which cause that. SO, who knows if the water is making us sick, or other things. I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, I have enough background in science to know that water that looks perfectly harmless can be toxic... I should just get the water tested and put my fears to rest... I certainly don't want to drink it... I grew up on chlorinated city water... :eek:

[Gary Slusser]

Yes get a water test done but don't mistakenly think chlorinated city water isn't harmful; it is in far too many cases while chlorine is not good for any life form.

If you suspect the water, don't ingest any of it and use bottled water for 7 days and see if any of the symptoms 'you' have dissappear, if so they are probably caused by your water.

Gary
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Doug Aleshire, Super Moderator 2