WE KNOW HOW TO TREAT YOU & YOUR WATER
MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION LEVELS BEFORE ULTRAVIOLET:
Turbidity.......................5 NTU Hardness...............7 gpg
Color................................None Iron.....................0.3 ppm
Manganese..............0.05 ppm pH................6.5 - 9.5ppm
"Bacterial contamination of a water supply doesn’t always indicate the existence of a health hazard. Some types of bacterial contamination are more annoying than harmful. The normal bacteria test performed on drinking water is specific for coliform and E. coli. A sample may test negative for coliform but still contain other nuisance bacteria. Two of the most common bacterial contaminants are iron and sulfur bacteria. They are not particularly harmful, but they can be incredibly annoying."
Some times Bacteria can't be cleared up by shocking the well. In that case an Ultraviolet Water Sterilizer might be needed. One thing about Ultraviolet units is that they must have water that is clean (see chart below). Another is that the bulbs that generate the U/V light last for only 10,000 hrs ( 1 year 5 weeks), so they need to be replaced every year. The will still produce light BUT not enough to protect your water from contamination.
"Iron Bacteria
Iron bacteria are generally more common than sulfur bacteria because iron is abundant in ground water. Iron bacteria are oxidizing agents and combine iron or manganese dissolved in ground water with oxygen. A side effect of the process is a foul smelling brown slime that can cause unpleasant odors, corrode plumbing equipment and fixtures, and clog well screens and pipes. If conditions are right, the bacteria can grow at amazing rates, rendering an entire well system useless in just a few months. Signs that may indicate an iron bacteria problem include yellow-, red- or orange-colored water; rusty slime deposits in toilet tanks; and strange smells resembling fuel oil, cucumbers, or sewage. Sometimes the odor will only be apparent in the morning or after other extended periods of non-use."
"Sulfur Bacteria
There are two categories of sulfur bacteria; sulfur oxidizers and sulfur reducers. Sulfur-reducing bacteria are the more common. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria produce effects similar to those of iron bacteria. They convert sulfide into sulfate, producing a dark slime that can clog plumbing. Sulfur-reducing bacteria live in oxygen-deficient environments. They break down sulfur compounds, producing hydrogen sulfide gas in the process. The distinctive “rotten egg” odor of hydrogen sulfide gas is the most obvious sign of a sulfur bacteria problem. Hydrogen sulfide gas is foul smelling and highly corrosive. As with odors caused by iron bacteria, the sulfur smell may only be noticeable when the water hasn’t been run for several hours. If the odor is only present when hot water is run, sulfur-reducing bacteria could be building up in the water heater. Blackening of water or dark slime coating the inside of the toilet tank may also indicate a sulfur bacteria problem. Iron bacteria and sulfur bacteria contaminations are often difficult to tell apart because the symptoms are so similar. To complicate matters, sulfur reducing bacteria often live in complex symbiotic relationships with iron bacteria, so both types may be present. Fortunately, both types of bacteria can be treated using the same methods."
"Prevention
The best treatment for both iron and sulfur bacteria is prevention. " ... " Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in water systems, and is highly toxic to coliform and similar types of bacteria. Iron and sulfur bacteria are more resistant to chlorine’s effects because iron and sulfur bacteria occur in thick layers and are protected by the slime they secrete. A standard chlorine treatment may kill off bacterial cells in the surface layer but leave the rest untouched. In the case of iron bacteria, iron dissolved in the water may absorb disinfectant before it reaches the bacteria. For all of these reasons, iron and sulfur bacteria may be able to survive a chlorine treatment that would kill other types of bacteria. "
"Follow-up Procedures
Shock chlorination or the other methods discussed should solve the immediate problems associated with iron or sulfur bacteria, but they may not be long-term solutions. Iron and sulfur bacteria tend to build up again a few months after treatment. Bacteria problems are much easier to control after the initial contamination has been treated. However, to keep down bacterial regrowth, well owners can periodically disinfect their wells by shock chlorinating with a weaker chlorine solution, or by installing a chlorination unit that will constantly chlorinate the water. A " ... "contractor can advise you on which option is best for you." Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment 
