Well Water Treatment Systems

There are several types of well water treatment systems, each effective against specific types of contaminants. Selecting a system requires an understanding of the kinds of contaminants found in water wells, as well as the treatment systems available.

Reasons to Install a Well Water Treatment System

A water well may need a treatment system if it is in disrepair, cannot be upgraded to modern well construction standards, or sometimes produces water with a strange taste or smell. Wells can harbor several kinds of contaminants, including E. coli bacteria, coliform bacteria, fluoride, iron and iron bacteria, pesticides, fuels (such as gasoline), nitrates, and hydrogen sulfide. Some of these are harmless, but others can cause illness, especially among vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and people who are already ill.

Types of Well Water Treatment Systems

There is a treatment system for virtually every kind of well and every kind of contaminant; choosing the appropriate kind is essential.

Distillation: Uses heat to kill microbes, and remove heavy metals and nitrates. It is generally used in conjunction with activated carbon filters. It only works on chemicals with a higher boiling point than water, and can concentrate chemicals like ammonia that have a lower boiling point than water. Also, it needs to be de-scaled and disinfected (with bleach or heat) regularly.

Ultraviolet: Kills bacteria and viruses, but requires filtration to remove microbes, such as parasites, that are found in dust particles. It needs a fine filter, the water flow must be slow, and the UV lamp must be cleaned frequently.

Chlorination: Kills bacteria and viruses. Removes some forms of iron if the water is filtered after chlorination. Filtration is needed to remove microbes such as parasites that are covered or embedded in dirt. The chlorine must be handled carefully. Chlorine levels must be tested frequently, and the dosing pump must be checked regularly.

Ozonation: Kills most microbes, and also removes organic compounds such as pesticides. It requires filtration to kill microbes embedded in dirt. Effectiveness differs among brands. It can be used in conjunction with activated carbon filters.

Activated carbon contactors: Used mainly for removing tastes and odors, as well as for decreasing amounts of organic compounds like pesticides. They can remove trace amounts of some chemicals, but are not effective against minerals or large amounts of chemicals. If not regularly replaced, the contactor can harbor bacteria and cause unpleasant tastes and odors; but it is difficult to know when the contactor needs to be replaced.

Reverse osmosis: Effective against several contaminants, including: nitrates, sulfate, hardness, most microbes, dirt particles, and trace amounts of some pesticides. It is expensive, and requires pre-filtration and softening of hard water.

Filters: There are several kinds of filters. Ceramic candle filters remove bacteria and parasites, but not viruses. Other filters can remove sand, sediment, rust, and small particles. For ceramic candle filters, chlorination must be used to remove viruses. All filters require regular maintenance and replacement.