If you’re a well owner, you know the unique challenges that come with relying on your own source of water. Unlike municipal water systems that have been treated thoroughly, well water moves directly from the ground to your faucet—and with all the advantages and potential problems. While well water typically tastes wonderful and possesses great mineral content, it also has the potential to carry sediment, bacteria, iron, and other contaminants that affect quality and your household’s health.
Determining Your Water Quality Problems
Prior to considering well water filtration systems, you should know what types of contaminants are most likely to plague well water. Well water problems are usually the result of geological formations, nearby agricultural practices, or well equipment that is not in good condition. Some common problems are sediment deposits, iron staining, bacterial contamination, hard water minerals, and unpleasant odors or tastes.
Sediment Filters: Your First Line of Defense
Sediment filters are the foundation of most well water filter systems. Sediment filters remove particles like sand, silt, rust, and other particulate that will make your water cloudy and destroy appliances. These filters come in various micron ratings and range from coarse screens that will remove large particles to fine filters that will remove microscopic particles.
A majority of homeowners will find value in a multistep sediment filtration system that starts out with a coarse step and subsequently moves to more refined steps of filtration. This helps to extend the lifespan of the filters and offer complete particle removal for your water system.
Carbon Filters: Odor and Chemical Contaminant Removal
Carbon filters have excellent removal capability for chlorine, organic compounds, and the substances that create taste and odors. These filters work via adsorption, where impurities stick to the surface of the carbon as water passes through.
For use of well water, the best type of filter to use is often granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. They are capable of a higher flow rate and longer lifespan than carbon block filters. Carbon filters must be replaced every so often in order to continue being effective, otherwise they will not eliminate bacteria.
Iron Filters: Eliminating Staining and Taste Problems
Iron contamination is among the most common well water issues, resulting in reddish discoloration on dishes, clothing, and fixtures. Iron filters use specific media or oxidation to convert dissolved iron into particulates that can be filtered out.
Different technologies of iron filters suit various applications. Air injection systems are ideal where the iron is of moderate level, and chemical oxidation systems are best for greater concentrations. Certain new models employ several processes for complete iron removal.
UV Sterilizers: Protection Against Microbial Contamination
Ultraviolet sterilizers are able to sterilize without the use of chemicals by exposing water to UV light which will destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV systems have numerous advantages to well water treatment, including no chemical additives, low maintenance, and immediate disinfection with no storage tanks.
UV sterilizers are optimally installed following carbon and sediment filtration to achieve the maximum penetration of UV in clear water. Frequent lamp replacement ensures disinfection effectiveness.
Water Softeners: The Answer to Hard Water
Water softeners remove the scaling minerals calcium and magnesium that cause soap scum, appliance inefficiency, and scale. Leading softener systems use the ion exchange method to exchange minerals found in hard water for sodium or potassium ions.
For use of well water, consider softener capacity, regeneration frequency, and salt use. Regeneration initiated by demand is offered by certain units to minimize waste and salt use.
Selecting Your Ideal System
The perfect filtration system depends on your particular water issues. Start with expert water testing to determine what impurities and concentrations you have. This determines how much filtration you need and keeps you from purchasing equipment you won’t use.
The majority of homeowners are assisted by combination systems, which address more than one condition at once. An example system might include sediment filtration, carbon treatment, and UV sterilization in a sequence.
The Right Choice for Your Home
Effective well water filtration is about tailoring your system to your water’s own needs. Accurate testing, design, and installation mean best performance and longevity. By putting the proper filtration technology in place, you’re protecting your family’s health and well-being and years of enjoyment of good-tasting, pure well water.