What is in the water?

[Darrenone]

I had a small pond dug last summer and the water that seeps out the sides is a strange color. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

 

[BeezFun]

I'd say it's leaching something out of the soil, why do you think it's in the water?

 

[Darrenone]

Where ever the water comes out and pools ( alot of clay ) it turns this color. I guess I just assumed it was something in the water.

 

[KentT]

Could likely be either iron or tannic acid from decomposing vegetation, based on the color...

 

[MarkV]

Could likely be either iron or tannic acid from decomposing vegetation, based on the color...

Both good ideas, I'm betting iron.

MarkV

 

[BeezFun]

Is this pond charged by rain water or a spring? I don't think rainwater has iron in it. Not sure how water picks up iron, I assume it has to sit long enough for it to dissolve minerals in the soil and rocks.

 

[Chilly807]

It could be manganese as well, often the stuff will float on top, looks like an oil spill until you notice that it doesn't spread around much.

Sean

 

[Darrenone]

Is this pond charged by rain water or a spring? I don't think rainwater has iron in it. Not sure how water picks up iron, I assume it has to sit long enough for it to dissolve minerals in the soil and rocks.

Thanks for the responses and BeezFun the pond catches alot of run off when it rains but there are alot of small springs all over the hill. Where a spring comes to the surface and goes across fresh dirt, it changes to this color. Next question would be if it is iron, is there any negative affects to say like swimming in it?

 

[Darrenone]

It could be manganese as well, often the stuff will float on top, looks like an oil spill until you notice that it doesn't spread around much.

Sean

Hey Chilly807, that is exactly what it looks like. Kind of floats on top and looks like oil. Was kind of hoping it was oil and I was like the Beverly hillbillies... Is this bad to say like swim in?

 

[Chilly807]

It won't hurt you, but will turn permed hair some unusual colours. If it is manganese, and is floating on top, you can separate it with a stick or something like that. Oil would just keep spreading, manganese won't since it's a mineral.

Mind you, if I'm wrong and it is something toxic, you're taking your chances.

Sean