For millions of people across the US, well water is a primary source for drinking and everyday use. According to the United States Geological Survey, 43 million people — or about 15% of the national population — rely on private wells.
But while well water can be an abundant supply of clean drinking water, it can also be vulnerable to dangerous contamination. And because private wells are not maintained or treated by any government organization, the responsibility for keeping them safe falls on well owners. That’s why it’s important to understand and address the potential impurities that could be present in your well, from minerals and chemicals to harmful bacteria. Fortunately, installing a well filter is one way to ensure that you have access to clean and safe well water at all times.
What Is a Well Filter?
The concept of water filtration has been around for centuries, including back when municipal plumbing didn’t exist and wells were commonplace. But while society and technology have advanced since then, filtration is still a crucial aspect of safe well maintenance.
A well filter is a system that helps reduce the presence of contaminants in well water. Well filters are designed to remove sediment, bacteria, and other impurities from well water before it enters your home. Left unfiltered, well water could be susceptible to issues ranging from minor inconveniences to serious problems.
Common Well Water Issues
While well water is the most convenient option for many people living in rural areas, owners may face unique issues around well maintenance and the quality of their H2O. Aging or poorly maintained wells can suffer from various problems such as low pressure, discolored or smelly water, mineral buildup in pipes, and even flooding from over-pressurization. All of these issues can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked.
Like other water sources, wells can also fall prey to many types of contamination. Even the most remote well systems could be affected by hazardous materials. As such, regular well inspections by a professional are essential for identifying potential well water issues before they become serious threats to your home and your family’s health.
Potential Contaminants in Your Well Water
Without proper filtration, well water can become contaminated with particles such as dirt, rust, sand, and silt that can clog up pipes and cause health issues if ingested. Additionally, well water can contain bacteria like E. coli and Coliform, which can be dangerous for consumption and should be eradicated by using a filter system, chlorination, or another disinfection process.
Well water can also contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, as well as nitrates, pesticides, and other potentially toxic materials. Fortunately, installing a well filter can help protect your home from sediment buildup and certain contaminants that could enter the well through surface runoff or infiltration from neighboring properties.
Benefits of Installing a Well Filter
Installing an effective well filter system can reduce the presence of contaminants in well water, making it safe for you and your family to drink or use for everyday tasks like bathing, cleaning, and cooking.
Well filters are also designed to prolong the life of your well pumps by reducing sediment buildup, which leads to expensive repairs. So while investing in a well filter may involve some upfront costs, in the long run, it can benefit your water supply and your wallet.
Different Types of Well Water Filtration
When searching for the right well filtration system for your needs, it’s vital to understand the different types available on the market. Depending on your well water, you may need to consider filtration options such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, or sediment filter systems.
- Activated carbon filters: These types of well filters are designed to remove chlorine, sediment, and other contaminants from well water. They are generally effective for removing bad tastes, odors, and chemicals found in well water.
- Reverse osmosis systems: These filtration systems use a membrane to reduce the presence of particles such as sand, silt, and rust that can cause well water to become cloudy.
- Sediment filter systems: These types of well filters are designed to reduce the presence of dirt, sand, and other particles in well water. They are an effective way to improve well water clarity and stop sediment buildup in pipes.
Choosing Your Well Filter
For most homeowners, selecting the right well filter can be a daunting task. Not only are there many different types available, but they will have varying levels of effectiveness depending on the specific issues impacting your water supply. So before committing to one system or another, it’s important that you get expert insight on your current water quality and what changes need to be made.
Find the Right Filtration System with The Science of Water
Whether your water comes from a domestic well, public well, or another source, ensuring your drinking water is safe and tastes great is essential to maintaining good health. With the right home filtration system, you can ensure that your tap water is clean and delicious every time.
At The Science of Water, we assess and install water filtration solutions to meet your unique needs. We begin by offering free water quality testing and consultations. Whatever your home water situation, our technicians can assess your situation for waterborne threats and recommend the perfect filtration system to suit your needs and budget.
Using filtration technology backed by NASA and the EPA, our advanced water systems purify your water supply to the highest standard. When you have concerns about your water safety, we can help you enjoy tap water that’s clear of contaminants and safe to drink.
Don’t settle for dirty tap water that tastes terrible and risks your health. Get your water tested today to protect your household with pure, clean water that can be relied on. For more information about The Science of Water or to book your free water test, just contact our team today!