What should you do if a phosphate is added to your well water?

If phosphates are added to well water, increasing the amount of chlorine added is the appropriate action. Phosphates can foster the growth of algae and other microorganisms in water systems, which can create a higher demand for disinfection. When there's an increase in algae or organic matter in the water, more chlorine is needed to effectively kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, ensuring that the water remains safe for consumption.

In contrast, simply decreasing or not adjusting chlorine levels would not address the higher microbial risk that phosphates might promote. Likewise, completely replacing chlorine could undermine the disinfection process essential for maintaining water quality.