If you’re like most people, you probably think that well water doesn’t need to be filtered. After all, it comes from the ground, right? The answer might surprise you.
In many cases, well water needs to be filtered to remove contaminants and make it safe for drinking. In this guide, we will discuss what problematic signs to look for and the benefits of filtering well water and how it can improve your health!
How to Know if You Need a Well Water Filtration System
There are a few ways to tell if your well water needs to be filtered. The first is by having it tested.
You can contact your local health department or a water quality testing lab to have your water tested for harmful contaminants.
Another way to tell if your well water needs to be filtered is by looking for signs of contamination. Some common signs include:
- cloudy or murky water
- bad tastes or smells in the water
- sediment in the water
- staining on laundry or plumbing fixtures
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your water tested and to consider installing a filtration system that can tackle YOUR specific water contaminants and not a catch-all type of system.
Speak with The Previous Owner
If you’re not the first owner of your home or property, find out if previous owner had any issues or concerns in the past they could share with you. This is especially important if you notice any signs of contamination (which we will discuss next).
Additionally, you can look up your property on public databases to see if there are any reports of water contamination in your area. The Environmental Working Group has a helpful search tool that you can use to check for water contamination.
Have a Chat With Your Neighbors
Chances are, you’re not the only home that uses well water in your neighborhood. Ask your neighbors if they filter their water and what type of system they use. This can give you a good idea of what might be in your water and what kind of system you need to remove the contaminants.
Test Your Well Water
Testing your well water is easier than you might think. However, it’s important to have your well water tested through a lab and not by using test strips. This is because test strips can give you an inaccurate reading.
Unlike city tap water, private well owners are responsible for testing their own water supply annually — so don’t skip out on testing your water.
When you have your well water tested, the lab will test for a variety of different contaminants and harmful bacteria. Some of the most common include:
- Bacteria
- Coliform bacteria
- E. coli bacteria
- Nitrates/nitrites
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Pesticides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
After your well water has been tested, you’ll receive a report that will tell you what harmful contaminants were found and at what levels. Based on this information, you can then decide if filtering your water is the best option for you and your family.
We really like Tapscore by SimpleLab as they can test for your well water for over 180+ Analytes in as little as 5 business days you will get your results emailed to you with actionable steps on what to do next — or check out our recommended water testing kits.
Get Your Geological Area Data
The type of rock and soil in your area can give you a good idea of what’s in your well water. For example, some soils contain high levels of Iron minerals which can give your drinking water a reddish tint or rusty looking water as many describe it.
Additionally, some types of rocks are more likely to contain certain contaminants than others. For example, granite is known to contain higher levels of radon gas while limestone can increase the hardness of your water.
You can also ask your local health department or geological survey for information about the type of rock and soil in your area.
Well Depth
The depth of your private well can also give you some clues about what might be in your water. For example, shallow wells are more likely to be contaminated by surface water or ground runoff than deep wells.
Additionally, the deeper your well is, the more likely it is to have naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals can increase the hardness of your water and make it more difficult to dissolve soap. However, they are less prone to contamination from surface water or ground runoff.
Benefits of Filtering Well Water
There are many benefits to filtering well water, even if it doesn’t seem like there’s anything wrong with it. By filtered we don’t mean using a pitcher filter but an actual whole-house filtration system for well water.
Some of the benefits of filtering your private water supply include:
- Removes contaminants that can cause health problems
- Improves the taste and smell of your water
- Protects your plumbing fixtures and appliances from sediment and staining
- Saves money by not having to buy bottled water
As you can see, there are many benefits to filtering well water. If you’re unsure about whether or not you should filter your water, we recommend getting your well water tested so that you know exactly what type of well water filter you need.
Do You Need a Sediment Filter for Well Water?
In most cases you do, and you might be wondering if you need a sediment filter. The answer really depends on the quality of your well water and what type of contaminants are in it.
As we mentioned earlier, shallow wells are more likely to be contaminated by surface water or ground runoff than deep wells. This means that they’re more likely to have sediment in them.
If your well water contains sediment, it’s important to filter it before using it. Sediment can clog your plumbing fixtures and appliances and make your water taste and smell bad. It can also cause staining on your clothing and dishes.
Do You Need a Well Water Bacteria Removal Filter?
If your well water contains harmful bacteria, you’ll need a well water bacteria removal filter. Harmful bacteria can cause serious health problems, so it’s important to remove them from your drinking water.
There are many different types of well water bacteria removal filters on the market. Some use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, while others use chemical disinfectants.
Do You Need a Well Water Filter and Water Softener?
If your well water is hard, you might need a well water filter and water softener. Water hardness is caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in your water. These minerals can make it difficult to dissolve soap and can cause staining on your clothing and dishes.
A well water filter will remove these minerals from your water, while a water softener will remove the minerals and replace them with sodium ions.
Do You Need a Well Water Iron Removal Filter?
If your well water contains high levels of iron, you’ll need an iron removal filter. Iron can give your water a reddish tint or rusty looking water as many describe it. It can also stain your clothing and dishes.
There are many different types of well water iron removal filters on the market. Some use chemical treatment to remove iron, while others use physical filtration.
Frequently Asked Questions Well Water Filters
Is it safe to drink well water?
The safety of well water depends on its quality. Well water can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and Volatile organic compounds. It’s important to have your well water tested regularly to ensure that it’s safe to drink.
Is well water naturally filtered?
No, well water is not naturally filtered. It can become contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. With annual water testing, you can be sure that you’re drinking safe water.
What are common well water contaminants?
There are a variety of common well water contaminants that can affect the quality of your water. These include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. In addition, there are a number of inorganic contaminants that can be present in well water, such as metals and minerals. While many of these contaminants pose no health risk at low levels, some can be harmful if present in high concentrations.
What is the best way to filter well water?
There are a number of different ways to filter well water, depending on the specific contaminants that are present. For example, bacteria and viruses can be removed with a disinfection system, such as chlorination or ultraviolet light. In addition, sediment filters can be used to remove particles from the water. Finally, reverse osmosis systems can be used to remove a variety of different contaminants, including metals and minerals.
Do I need a whole house water filtration system for well water?
Having a whole home well water filtration system is a great way to get purified and safe drinking water throughout your entire home from every faucet without having to worry about harmful bacteria or contaminants.
Final thoughts
If you are concerned about the quality of your well water, it is important to have it tested by a certified lab. In addition, there are a number of different ways to filter well water, depending on the specific contaminants that are present.
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about well water filtration, be sure to reach out to us.
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