Thanks for your reply. Referring to the picture, water is coming in from the left; the brown filter, which starts out white, is the sediment filter, the black, which starts out black, is the charcoal filter.

I didn't understand that, I thought it was going the other way.

In that case, I don't know how long it should take for the sediment filter to begin to show the sediment. You would hope there was none, or very little. Maybe this is actually a lot.

I would also be curious whether algae could begin to build up on a mesh surface submersed in water and exposed to sunlight. I would think the chlorine in the water would prevent that but maybe not?

I think that if you had a leak from the meter to your house, the water company would notice the high water usage and let you know. If you are worried about a leak in your house, then you have options. I found a company that detects leaks and can send you an email of a text message. It's called YOLINK from YOSMART.com. It's easy to set up and control.
I have water detectors under each sink, washer etc. I have a Yolink water shut off that will shut the water off if any leak is detected. I have a speaker hub that will tell if there is a leak and where it is. I also get email messages and text messages. I don't have any affiliation with the company, just a good product.

We live in the NW section of near Savannah Center. Have a 3 20” filter system.
Need to change the sediment filter every 3 months, the other 2 filters annually. Previous 2 houses, between 466A and 44, same system, changed sediment filter annually and it was still clear. The water company says nothing is wrong, their water is acceptable.

With a 10” filter system you should change the sediment filter more often, every 6-8 weeks , looks like the filter you have has been in there a while.

I'm wondering if someone made a mistake and crossed your non-potable (sprinkler) water into your potable water lines.

2"x10" are not meant to be used as whole house filters, also those are pleated not solid.

The micron rating is too large also resulting in bypass

You may want to consider upgrading to a triple 4.5"X 20" Nova and do annual changes

See this link

[IMG]hhttps://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/attachments/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/108104d1744548486-water-pipe-leak-img_0732-jpg[/IMG]One possibility is the sediment could be coming from your sprinkler system. I'm not an expert but there are instances where water can be siphoned back into your house. For example, when you are running water, water coming in the main line can create a suction effect on other lines coming off of it. That's why sprinkler systems typically have an anti-siphon valve on them. If that is the case, not only are you pulling in sediment but if you are having your lawn treated by a lawn care company you might be pulling in some chemicals with it.

Attached is a picture of my antisiphon valve. There is a shut off valve on The backside of it. You could shut off the water from the sprinkler system, Replace the filters and leave it that way for a couple days to see if you're still Getting sediment. If you're not, then your anti-siphon valve Needs to be replaced. I've replaced these before because they've frozen on me in the winter time up north. The part itself is about $100. I just take the guts out out of it and replace the ones in the existing housing. You could also call a sprinkler company and they can replace it for you if that's what it is.

Those pictures look normal to me. If the sediment filter on the left was white, then it wouldn't be doing it's job. It looks like there is iron in your water, causing the orange/brown look to the filter. It's doing what it's supposed to do. Leave it alone for 4 to 6 months and see how it looks. If there is too much sediment, it will restrict your water flow and you will notice it at your faucet. BTW, how does your water taste?

OP to all responders
 

Thanks to all of you who have responded to my original post, lots of good remarks and suggestions. I live not far from the Savannah center and I found it interesting that someone from the same area has a similar issue. The irrigation system is separate from the house water, but I will have the antisyphoning valve checked.

I do change the filter every few weeks, and the water tastes fine.

If your irrigation water is metered separately from your potable water, there is no way for that to be the issue. They are entirely separate water systems.

Ah, OK. If they're completely separate then I don't see a point of having the valve checked. Mine is hooked to my city water.

Looks like the red you are seeing on the sediment filter may be accumulated oxidized iron (rust) . I have not seen even small amounts of iron in the District water analysis report, so either my tablet's color settings are off or there is something rusting in your water feed.

I have the same issue here in Marsh Bend. water company has tested and say it's all good. they flushed water in the cup de sac planting area instead of water hydrants and it stayed white longer. Neighbor has the same system and his stays clean longer

The filter on the left appears to be clogged with iron. This could mean the system is too small, it has outlived its capacity or there is not enough chlorine in your water - according to my service techs. If you want a no cost, no obligation inspection, email me at jasonswater@yahoo.com.

Can't be chlorine. Here in the Villages the water dept. puts way too much chlorine in our water.

This is a common sediment problem here in the Villages. Just because the filter looks dirty doesn't mean it's not working. The only real way to know it to look at the pressure gauges. If there is a pressure drop, then the filter needs replacing. If not, then it's doing it's job.