Discussion on drinking water

[Mei Kor]

Hi everyone, I have something to ask about the health issue in drinking water. We are drinking the artesian well which we digged 80 feets inside the earth (approximately 25 meters).

(We would have a long explanation to tell all about us with the risk in military and about the ministry. So I would not explain much about it _for short we have moved out to a new place where lower risk and it is an open field.)

The water looks white when we pump it first and slowly it turns into green color, then the next morning the above water level looks like an oil but it is an iron yellow color.

The smell from the beginning is iron and a kind of a cow urine. We have been drinking it a month for all family, Deborah, a 2 years old, has stomach pain last few weeks ago. She used to cried hard putting hands on her belly. We don't notice it at first but I sometimes has some syndrome and when I asked them, they also told us the same. It is not all the times but it is some occasionally.

So what I want to ask is, do you have any idea or knowledge of drinking water like an iron smelling for a long term?

What would be the cause for such drinking? I am abit concerned this time. We have never drinking like this before. I tried order the drinking water but it is not available to our place. Please tell us the suggestions or any help to improve on that issue?

 

[Dave F.]

2. Water color: Clear water does not equal drinkable water, but cloudy water, green water, or floating sediment are clear indicators of contamination. Water tainted with algae or oily films is also not potable. Avoid any water that has a strong odor.

I went looking online for solutions to your water problem. You can make a filter with a bottle, tie a piece of cloth around the opening, cut off the larger end so you can put in the items you need to filter with. First layer in will be charcoal, coals from a fire will work once they have cooled, second is a layer of sand, third a layer of small pebbles, fourth is a layer of larger pebbles and finally a layer of stones. you will need to be able to hang this up and put another container under it to catch the filtered water. Pour the water from the well into the filter, it will take time for it to pass through and most of it will not come out the other end. What does come out should then be boiled for at least 1 minute. The filter will remove most contaminates from the water and boiling will kill off bacteria and microbes. A small filter like this would need to be replaced after just a couple of gallons but it will help you avoid any side effects of drinking bad water. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you!

 

[BibleLover]

Hi everyone, I have something to ask about the health issue in drinking water. We are drinking the artesian well which we digged 80 feets inside the earth (approximately 25 meters).

(We would have a long explanation to tell all about us with the risk in military and about the ministry. So I would not explain much about it _for short we have moved out to a new place where lower risk and it is an open field.)

The water looks white when we pump it first and slowly it turns into green color, then the next morning the above water level looks like an oil but it is an iron yellow color.

The smell from the beginning is iron and a kind of a cow urine. We have been drinking it a month for all family, Deborah, a 2 years old, has stomach pain last few weeks ago. She used to cried hard putting hands on her belly. We don't notice it at first but I sometimes has some syndrome and when I asked them, they also told us the same. It is not all the times but it is some occasionally.

So what I want to ask is, do you have any idea or knowledge of drinking water like an iron smelling for a long term?

What would be the cause for such drinking? I am abit concerned this time. We have never drinking like this before. I tried order the drinking water but it is not available to our place. Please tell us the suggestions or any help to improve on that issue?

Any water you drink from questionable sources should be boiled at least 10 minutes to make it safe for drinking. Ideally, you should find a way to distill the water by making a still in which you capture and cool the vapors from the boiling water. Distilled water is completely safe to drink.

 

[Major]

Hi everyone, I have something to ask about the health issue in drinking water. We are drinking the artesian well which we digged 80 feets inside the earth (approximately 25 meters).

(We would have a long explanation to tell all about us with the risk in military and about the ministry. So I would not explain much about it _for short we have moved out to a new place where lower risk and it is an open field.)

The water looks white when we pump it first and slowly it turns into green color, then the next morning the above water level looks like an oil but it is an iron yellow color.

The smell from the beginning is iron and a kind of a cow urine. We have been drinking it a month for all family, Deborah, a 2 years old, has stomach pain last few weeks ago. She used to cried hard putting hands on her belly. We don't notice it at first but I sometimes has some syndrome and when I asked them, they also told us the same. It is not all the times but it is some occasionally.

So what I want to ask is, do you have any idea or knowledge of drinking water like an iron smelling for a long term?

What would be the cause for such drinking? I am abit concerned this time. We have never drinking like this before. I tried order the drinking water but it is not available to our place. Please tell us the suggestions or any help to improve on that issue?

I do not mean this with any disrespect......But are you really asking if this water is drinkable????

I am from the country...Alabama specifically. I have seen these wells, drank from them and watered our animals from them however, I do not know what you have dug up but it is not an authentic artesian well.

From your explanation it sounds to me like you have dug into some kind of industrial dumping ground location.

My advice since you asked is Do Not Drink what ever it is you are describing. If....IF it is a matter of life or death, then BOIL the water before drinking it.

 

[Mei Kor]

I do not mean this with any disrespect......But are you really asking if this water is drinkable????

I am from the country...Alabama specifically. I have seen these wells, drank from them and watered our animals from them however, I do not know what you have dug up but it is not an authentic artesian well.

From your explanation it sounds to me like you have dug into some kind of industrial dumping ground location.

My advice since you asked is Do Not Drink what ever it is you are describing. If....IF it is a matter of life or death, then BOIL the water before drinking it.

Thanks Major, the situation is not what you might imagine to us. You might think simple but it is too complicated to get us learn.


We can't get a solution here. Water is not available only this. We boiled it of course but there is not electric and boiled through fire is also another challenge again. Huiii...

 

[Mei Kor]

2. Water color: Clear water does not equal drinkable water, but cloudy water, green water, or floating sediment are clear indicators of contamination. Water tainted with algae or oily films is also not potable. Avoid any water that has a strong odor.

I went looking online for solutions to your water problem. You can make a filter with a bottle, tie a piece of cloth around the opening, cut off the larger end so you can put in the items you need to filter with. First layer in will be charcoal, coals from a fire will work once they have cooled, second is a layer of sand, third a layer of small pebbles, fourth is a layer of larger pebbles and finally a layer of stones. you will need to be able to hang this up and put another container under it to catch the filtered water. Pour the water from the well into the filter, it will take time for it to pass through and most of it will not come out the other end. What does come out should then be boiled for at least 1 minute. The filter will remove most contaminates from the water and boiling will kill off bacteria and microbes. A small filter like this would need to be replaced after just a couple of gallons but it will help you avoid any side effects of drinking bad water. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you!

2. Water color: Clear water does not equal drinkable water, but cloudy water, green water, or floating sediment are clear indicators of contamination. Water tainted with algae or oily films is also not potable. Avoid any water that has a strong odor.

I went looking online for solutions to your water problem. You can make a filter with a bottle, tie a piece of cloth around the opening, cut off the larger end so you can put in the items you need to filter with. First layer in will be charcoal, coals from a fire will work once they have cooled, second is a layer of sand, third a layer of small pebbles, fourth is a layer of larger pebbles and finally a layer of stones. you will need to be able to hang this up and put another container under it to catch the filtered water. Pour the water from the well into the filter, it will take time for it to pass through and most of it will not come out the other end. What does come out should then be boiled for at least 1 minute. The filter will remove most contaminates from the water and boiling will kill off bacteria and microbes. A small filter like this would need to be replaced after just a couple of gallons but it will help you avoid any side effects of drinking bad water. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you!

Yes, thanks. I am checking it online also.

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, Mei Kor;

Our brothers and sisters gave some good tips on filtering water and we hope this will help you, your wife and Deborah.

Have you already met your new neighbors? Is there opportunity to start ministry where you are?

I'm sure you've already thought about this. How far from your place is the market that can provide bottled water? Are you able to commute to the market to purchase water and bring home?

God bless you, Pastor.

 

[Major]

Yes, thanks. I am checking it online also.

May I ask where you are living?

I dont know if it is available to you but there are products that you place into gallons of water to treat it and make it drinkable. Also.....regualr "bleach" can do the same thing but you have to follow the exact directions in using it.

 

[ModeratorTeam]

Mei Kor - There may have been an underground pipe rupture within a couple kilometers or bad surface water seeping in that has contaminated the water.

Proper drinking water should not have any 'color' to it. DO NOT use that water for ANYTHING until such time as it can be TESTED by an approved testing agency and a report about it is given to you saying it is safe for human consumption. You are risking possible illnesses, including cancer, if you continue to use it - even with boiling.

We know that there are many hardships in your country, but please try to locate a clean, certified water source.


`

 

[Mei Kor]

Mei Kor - There may have been an underground pipe rupture within a couple kilometers or bad surface water seeping in that has contaminated the water.

Proper drinking water should not have any 'color' to it. DO NOT use that water for ANYTHING until such time as it can be TESTED by an approved testing agency and a report about it is given to you saying it is safe for human consumption. You are risking possible illnesses, including cancer, if you continue to use it - even with boiling.

We know that there are many hardships in your country, but please try to locate a clean, certified water source.


`

Thank you! I will keep note on it. I want to know possible dangerous here that I decided to post. Yes, at first I don't feel much but after a month, we have some kind of syndrome. Therefore, I Google it or ask AI but they are giving just a random suggestions or possible.

Human answer is the best anyway.

The thing is, we live far from town and no access to for things. It is all because military coup, we suffered too much personally and for ministry.

 

[Mei Kor]

Good morning, Mei Kor;

Our brothers and sisters gave some good tips on filtering water and we hope this will help you, your wife and Deborah.

Have you already met your new neighbors? Is there opportunity to start ministry where you are?

I'm sure you've already thought about this. How far from your place is the market that can provide bottled water? Are you able to commute to the market to purchase water and bring home?

God bless you, Pastor.

Hi Bob, thank you for asking. I would prefer to answer you in a private message.

As public here, many can't understand our case. That goes on a long conversation and answered. But you know us well

 

[Mei Kor]

May I ask where you are living?

I dont know if it is available to you but there are products that you place into gallons of water to treat it and make it drinkable. Also.....regualr "bleach" can do the same thing but you have to follow the exact directions in using it.

We live in Myanmar (Burma).

 

[Yurii]

Hi everyone, I have something to ask about the health issue in drinking water. We are drinking the artesian well which we digged 80 feets inside the earth (approximately 25 meters).

(We would have a long explanation to tell all about us with the risk in military and about the ministry. So I would not explain much about it _for short we have moved out to a new place where lower risk and it is an open field.)

The water looks white when we pump it first and slowly it turns into green color, then the next morning the above water level looks like an oil but it is an iron yellow color.

The smell from the beginning is iron and a kind of a cow urine. We have been drinking it a month for all family, Deborah, a 2 years old, has stomach pain last few weeks ago. She used to cried hard putting hands on her belly. We don't notice it at first but I sometimes has some syndrome and when I asked them, they also told us the same. It is not all the times but it is some occasionally.

So what I want to ask is, do you have any idea or knowledge of drinking water like an iron smelling for a long term?

What would be the cause for such drinking? I am abit concerned this time. We have never drinking like this before. I tried order the drinking water but it is not available to our place. Please tell us the suggestions or any help to improve on that issue?

Hello Mei Kor,

I've read your message and deeply sympathize with you and your family in this challenging situation. The drinking water problems you've described raise serious concerns, especially regarding the health of your 2-year-old daughter.

This situation indicates significant water quality issues that could pose health risks.

Here's an analysis of potential causes and purification recommendations:
- White color of water when drawn:
This could be due to dissolved gases (oxygen, methane) or excessive aeration.
It may also indicate elevated ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), which oxidizes upon contact with air.

- Color change to green:
Suggests the presence of algae or iron-oxidizing bacteria.
Sulfate-reducing bacteria might also be present (in anaerobic conditions).

- Yellow/oily film:
This is a typical sign of high iron and manganese content.
Organic contamination (e.g., humic substances) is also possible.

- Iron and "cow urine" odor:
The iron smell clearly indicates excess Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.
The urine-like odor could be related to ammonia or hydrogen sulfide, often found in organically contaminated water.

- Poisoning symptoms:
Abdominal pain in the 2-year-old and other family members could be associated with:
High iron levels – irritates the stomach lining
Bacterial or parasitic contamination
Nitrates or other toxic compounds

Solutions:
DO NOT drink this water without purification!
Especially for children – they are more sensitive to contaminants.
If possible, find an alternative source (rainwater, neighboring wells).

Urgent water testing:
Testing should include:
- Iron and manganese
- Nitrates/nitrites and ammonium
- Bacteriological analysis (E. coli, sulfate-reducing bacteria)
- Hydrogen sulfide and organic contaminants

Temporary purification (home methods):
If quality filters are unavailable:
- Boil water for at least 10 minutes → kills bacteria but doesn't remove iron.
- Settle water in open containers to allow iron to precipitate.
- Filter through cloth/charcoal – reduces organic impurities.

Long-term purification (filters and systems):
- Aeration (oxygen saturation) → oxidizes iron and manganese.
- Filtration through catalytic media (Birm, Greensand, KDF) → removes iron and manganese.
- Carbon filters → improve taste and odor, remove organics.
- UV disinfection or chlorination → kills bacteria.
- Reverse osmosis → deep purification from all contaminants.

Summary:
* Immediately stop drinking this water without purification – it likely contains iron, bacteria, and other toxic substances.
* Testing will accurately identify the problem.
* Temporary purification (boiling, settling, filtering) can reduce risks.
* The best solution is a purification system: aeration + iron filtration + UV disinfection.

If access to filters is limited – try collecting rainwater or finding another source.

I will be praying for you and your family, that the Lord will grant you wisdom and assistance in resolving this issue.
Sincerely,
Yurii.

 

[Pastor Mayende.]

Thank you! I will keep note on it. I want to know possible dangerous here that I decided to post. Yes, at first I don't feel much but after a month, we have some kind of syndrome. Therefore, I Google it or ask AI but they are giving just a random suggestions or possible.

Human answer is the best anyway.

The thing is, we live far from town and no access to for things. It is all because military coup, we suffered too much personally and for ministry.

Hello Mei Kor,
I am sorry for the problem you have but this issue is the some as we have here in Uganda, the problem is in the ground. It has some minerals, second the you are using got rusts.
The solution which I can give is that pump all water out and you change the pumping machine.

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, Mei;

Pastor Mayende was kind to send these:

I have sent you these photos, Mei Kor. This situation is caused by the ground minerals, For us in our community, Muslims are the one trying to get for us clean. As you see pictures it was a borehole, a was dug by hands not machine and they put a borehole but was yellowish and smelling badly so we decided to open it and we pump water by hands as you see . It is next to our church and it is where I get water for drinking.
- Pastor Mayende

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[Major]

We live in Myanmar (Burma).

Holy Cow. No wonder you have such problems.

Did the recent earthquake cause you any problems or loss?

 

[Yurii]

Dear Pastor Mei Kor,

I hope this message finds you well.

We were thinking about you and wanted to ask how your daughter is doing? I have been praying for her and hope she is recovering well.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything at all we can assist with. While we as individuals may not be all-powerful, we believe in a God who is behind everything and often provides solutions to problems even through people who didn't realize they could help. I am confident that God never abandons us and will fight for us until the very end, even if we ourselves have stopped fighting.

Blessings,
Yurii