Discovering Different Ways to Filter Well Water
Millions of homeowners in America use well water for drinking and other household purposes.
Millions of homeowners in America use well water for drinking and other household purposes. Although well water is generally considered pristine and safe for drinking, there may be hazardous contaminants like heavy metals, minerals, chemicals, microorganisms, nitrate, and fluoride present in the well water that can affect its taste and smell and pose various health issues. Even the seemingly clean-appearing and normal-tasting water can contain several bacteria and other microorganisms not visible to the naked eye.
Homeowners should consider installing an appropriate well-water filtration system to make the water suitable for drinking and other purposes. However, the type of filtration requirements of every household may differ based on the pollutants in the well water. It is advisable to test the water before purchasing a well water filter to understand the type of contaminants present and their levels to make an informed decision. The CDC recommends testing the well water once a year.
Types of well water filtration systems
Activated carbon
Activated carbon filters can efficiently remove contaminants in the well water, like lead, VOCs, chlorine, pesticides, iron, and bacteria. As water passes through the filter, it absorbs impurities, ensuring clean water for drinking. Carbon filters can also eliminate odors and improve the water flavor. Activated carbon filters come in different ranges, from cheap to expensive.
Water ionizer
A water ionizer filters pesticides, calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals from well water. It is among the most common methods of purifying water. This filtration system uses electronically charged ions solids to filter out contaminant ions.
Sediment filters
Sediment filters help clear well water of tiny, undissolved contaminants like sand, dirt, and rock minerals responsible for water discoloration. Sediment filters improve the taste and appearance of well water. These are inexpensive and have easy-to-replace filters.
UV filters
UV filters use ultraviolet lights and are beneficial in removing bacteria and viruses from the well water. However, they could be more efficient in removing sediments, iron, lead, chlorine, or other similar contaminants, have a low-flow rate, and do nothing to improve water taste or odor. Homeowners can install a pre-filter to remove pollutants.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses multiple stages to deliver safe drinking water. They can remove the most common well water contaminants like bacteria, viruses, fluoride, lead, sodium, chloride, copper, and chromium, improve water's taste, and are convenient to use. In this system, the water passes through a semi-permeable membrane to filter out pollutants. However, RO filtration systems are inefficient in removing organic contaminants and pesticides, require frequent maintenance, and are expensive.
Infrared filters
These infrared filters are suitable for homes with hard water. These filters use light and heat to soften the water, remove bacteria and other microorganisms, and are easy to install. However, infrared filters are not effective in removing several contaminants.
Choose the right system
Well water filtration systems are available in various sizes and designs. While choosing a filter for well water, consider factors like flow rate, filter size, and ease of installation and use, besides the type of filter and the contaminants it will remove. Contact a professional to test the well water in one's household and suggest the most suitable filtration system.
Pump Repair Services provides residential and commercial pump repair services for water well pumps, water feature pumps, transfer pumps, industrial irrigation pumps, and more, as well as custom water filtration services in the Orlando area. (Sorry, no pool pumps or sewer pumps.) We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (407)625-5499.
