How to Filter Well Water for Drinking

Gina Thornberg • February 22, 2023

Since your municipality does not regulate your private well, the presence of bacteria or other contaminants can go unnoticed. This means the well could be contaminated with coliform bacteria, E Coli, and other dangerous bacteria.

Why is a Water Filter Necessary for Well Water?

These contaminants are not visible to the naked eye and can make your family sick. To keep your well water safe to drink, installing a water filter to remove viruses, parasites, bacteria, and protozoans from your water is crucial. Newborns, children, and the elderly are particularly sensitive to these contaminants, so filtration and regular water testing are critical to their health and safety.

The contaminants in the surface and groundwater can cause chronic health issues. Even if the water looks, smells, and tastes fine, it doesn't mean it is safe to consume. Also, even if your neighbor's water has tested safe, it doesn't mean your well water will.

What Type of Filter is Best for Well Water?

Water filters come in various sizes and types, from large, whole-house systems to small countertop pitchers. Many are designed to purify tap water for drinking but can also be used as a way to filter well water. Here are some tips on how to filter well water for drinking.

The most important step is to have your water tested for contaminants and determine the type of filter needed to ensure safe drinking water. Different types of filters are designed to remove different types of contaminants, so it's important to understand what needs to be filtered out to find the best filter for your well water.

We recommend using a UV light filter to make well water safe to drink. This type of filter is safe, economical, and easy to maintain. With a UV sterilizer, you can remove 99.99% of the bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in your well water. This system will work 24/7 for consistently clean and safe drinking water.

With a UV filter, it is important to check the bulb periodically to ensure it is still working properly. UV light filters can be used to eliminate bacteria and other waterborne pathogens. Still, the bulb must be replaced every 9 to 12 months or whenever there is a noticeable difference in the amount of ultraviolet light emitted.

In addition to a UV filter, you also need to use a sediment filter in front of your UV system to remove the high levels of dissolved solids and organic matter in well water. You can also opt for a UV system that has a prefilter integrated into it. Without a prefilter and a high turbidity level, the UV rays will be blocked by the particles within the water and won't be able to disinfect the water as effectively.

Regular maintenance of your well and water filter system is essential. This includes checking for leaks, ensuring proper connections, and performing any repairs or replacements that may be needed. Following these tips can help ensure that your well water is filtered properly and safe to drink. With the right precautions, you can enjoy clean and healthy drinking water from your own well.

How Often Should My Well Water Be Tested?

Even when using a UV filtration system, you should have your private well tested yearly. This will allow Aqua Solutions to monitor the cleanliness of the water and check for any contaminants or mechanical problems. This testing is typically done in the spring and is done to check for coliform bacteria, E. coli, radon, arsenic, and minerals such as nitrate, manganese, and iron.

UV Filtration Installation Services

To learn more about UV filtration, contact the water treatment experts at Aqua Solutions!

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Author: Gary Monks

Gary Monks has led Aqua Solutions since 1997, earning recognition as a water treatment expert with 25 years of experience. Renowned in Butler, he has won the Best Water Treatment award for three years and actively supports the community, including local sports and radio engagements.

How Water Filtration Provides Clean Water & Healthy Homes

How Water Filtration Provides Clean Water, Thriving Plants, and Healthy Homes

By Gary Monks • March 10, 2025

Improve your home’s water quality! Learn how water filtration ensures clean drinking water, supports plant growth, and promotes a healthier living environment.

How Water Quality Impacts the Taste of Your Food and Drinks

January 31, 2025

If you love hot drinks like tea or coffee or enjoy cooking, you're likely always looking to improve the quality and health of the daily foods and beverages you and your family consume. Why Water Filtration is Important for Your Home Water quality is crucial in many ways. High-quality water can elevate the tastes and textures of your favorite foods and beverages, making them safer and healthier for your family. By installing a water filtration system, you can: Keep Your Family Safe and Healthy The most important benefit of home water filtration installation is that it helps you achieve clean, contaminant-free water. Water filtration enables you to reduce your risk of waterborne illness, giving you peace of mind that your food and drinks are healthy and safe. Enhance The Taste of Food and Drinks In addition to increasing the safety of your food and drinks, high-quality water makes your favorite beverages and foods' natural flavors shine. Poor-quality water can introduce unwanted flavors, such as metallic tastes or chlorine, that can ruin the taste and quality of your foods and drinks. Impure water can also smell bad, making the aroma of food or drinks unpleasant. Additionally, water high in chemicals or impurities can make your taste buds less sensitive, reducing the flavor you experience in food and beverages. Get Better Cooking and Baking Results Water is an essential ingredient in many recipes. Higher-quality water can improve cooking and baking results. Water that is free from impurities and chemicals can help you achieve better texture and consistency, properly hydrate other ingredients, and achieve a better rise or fluffiness in your baked goods. How Water Filtration Works and Options for Your Home Water filtration removes contaminants, impurities, and unwanted elements from your water supply, ensuring that the water you and your family use is clean, safe, and better-tasting. Filtration systems achieve this through various processes, such as physical filtration to block particles, chemical treatment to neutralize harmful substances, and biological filtration to remove bacteria and microorganisms. The result is water that meets health standards and improves overall quality of life. When it comes to home water filtration, there are several options to suit your specific needs that we specialize in here at Aqua Solutions: UV Filtration Ultraviolet (UV) light filtration is a highly effective and chemical-free method for disinfecting drinking water. It exposes microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to a germicidal wavelength of UV light. This exposure damages their DNA, rendering them inactive and unable to reproduce. UV filtration is an excellent solution for homeowners who want to ensure their water is free from harmful pathogens. It provides peace of mind and safer drinking water for your household. Reverse Osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a powerful water filtration system that delivers exceptionally pure water by removing a wide range of contaminants. This system typically includes a small retaining tank, often installed in the basement, to store purified water for easy access. RO systems use a combination of sediment filters and advanced filter technologies, including carbon filters, to improve the taste and smell of water. These systems effectively eliminate heavy metals, pesticides, and dissolved solids, making them a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality drinking water. Standard Filters Standard filters are a versatile and commonly used option for improving water quality. They come in two primary designs: cartridge devices and loose media tank-style systems. Sediment filters, a type of standard filter, are specifically designed to remove grit, particulates, and debris from the water. Additionally, standard filters can address unpleasant odors, discoloration, bad taste, and iron content. They provide a simple, affordable way to enhance your water's clarity and quality. Water Softeners Water softeners are designed to combat the challenges of hard water, which is caused by high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium. These systems use a mineral tank filled with resonated media, such as resin or plastic beads, to filter out these hard particles. The media has a negative electrical charge, which attracts the positively charged minerals in the water. Water softeners are available in two main types: ion exchange systems, which replace hard minerals with sodium ions, and dual-tank systems, which feature two resin tanks for continuous operation. By softening the water, these systems prevent scale buildup, improve appliance efficiency, and enhance the feel of water for daily use. Ready to Enhance Your Home's Water? Call Aqua Solutions Today! Aqua Solutions is your top choice for home water filtration installation in Butler and beyond. Call today to learn which water filtration system works best for your home and get cleaner, healthier water!