What Is Sewage?

Sewage in drinking water can adversely affect the taste, odor and quality of your drinking water. Sewage in drinking water can come from a variety of sources, such as:

  • Seepage from a septic system into the well water.
  • Seepage from other sources including sewer treatment plants and farms.
  • Leakage from sewer lines.

It is not always raw sewage that you may be experiencing in your water and it does not always indicate a problem. The natural process of decay of leaves and vegetation (organic matter) can also have this odor and pose no health risk at all.

If sewage is entering the water source, there is usually coliform bacteria, specifically E-coli bacteria, in the water. Testing and treatment through disinfecting is needed. See Coliform under contaminants page for detailed information.

If you think you have sewage in your drinking water, contact one of our specialists to discuss your water testing and treatment options.