Well Water Filter Systems

In houses that get their water from a well, water filter systems are often necessary to maintain the quality of the water. Well water generally contains the same type of minerals as the earth around the well, such as iron or calcium.

While not necessarily hazardous to your health, these minerals can give the water an unpleasant smell and taste as well as leave deposits on cookware, laundry and appliances. Well water filter systems can solve these problems by removing impurities at the source.

Modern well water filter systems are highly advanced compared to the well water treatment systems of the past. Systems such as these are fully automated and computerized, and can perform several functions that will take care of all of your water purification needs.

It will disinfect water at the source through chlorination, then remove the chlorine before it reaches the tap. Minerals and scale are removed, transforming the water from hard to soft. No more rust stains or rotten egg smell, and no hard mineral deposits to clog plumbing and accumulate on cookware. Specialized filters target specific contaminants and effectively remove them.

It is important to test your well water to determine exactly what types of contaminants are present because different contaminants do require different types of filters to remove them. For example, a carbon filter is best for removing chlorine and some metals as well as improving the taste and smell of the water. However, to remove arsenic you will need an entirely different type of filter.

Other substances that might be present in well water include manganese, hydrogen sulphide, sulphates, tannins and nitrates, and there are specialized filters available for each of these contaminants. Another concern with any water supply is acidity (low PH). Studies have shown that acidic water can lead to serious illness when consumed over a long period of time, so it is wise to take steps to raise the PH of your water if necessary. A calcite filter will increase the PH of the water, making it more alkaline and therefore less harmful.

Microbiological contaminants are not usually an issue with a well, as long as it is functioning properly, but it is wise to test for them nonetheless. A poorly fitted well cap or pipes that were not properly sanitized before they were installed could possibly introduce bacteria into an otherwise clean water source. In a case such as this, repairs should be made and then steps should be taken to disinfect the water. Chlorination, ozonation or ultraviolet light are all effective methods of destroying bacteria. Some household water purification systems incorporate these methods into the filtration process.

Even in homes that do not have a well, water filter systems will work just as efficiently in ensuring that the household water supply is truly safe to drink. Water is essential for life, and it is vitally important to make sure that a necessity such as this does not endanger the health of you and your family.