Are you tired of dealing with the challenges of well water, from unsightly stains and foul odors to worries about its safety? Look no further – the solution is right here!
In this guide, we’ve covered the top-rated well water filtration systems that efficiently remove well water contaminants and deliver crystal-clear, refreshing and safe water throughout your home.
Among our carefully handpicked selections, the SpringWell WS Well Water Filtration System stands out as the best whole house well water filtration system in 2023. With its exceptional ability to remove up to 7 ppm of iron, 1 ppm of manganese, and 8 ppm of sulfur, it guarantees that you will have clean and worry-free water at your disposal, with an excellent flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM).
Best Whole House Well Water Filtration Systems
- SpringWell WS – Best Overall | (Jump to Review ▼)
- SoftPro Iron Master – Best for High Level of Iron | (Jump to Review ▼)
- Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST – Best for Killing Bacteria and Viruses | (Jump to Review ▼)
- Express 3-Stage Water Filter – Best Cartridge Filter for Sediment and Heavy Metal Removal | (Jump to Review ▼)
- iSpring WGB32BM – Best on a Budget | (Jump to Review ▼)
Now, we’ll take a closer look at each well water filtration system.
1. SpringWell WS – Best of the Best
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 12 – 20 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 18-25 Years |
| Additional Filtration | UV and RO Filtration |
| Targeted Contaminants | Iron, Sulfur and Manganese |
| Price | $$$ |
| Maintainance | Minimal |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
We handpicked SpringWell WS as our top-rated well water filter for an extraordinary reason. This cutting-edge iron filter is designed to be more efficient and economical than ever, making it the perfect choice for most American private wells.
The Springwell WS system guarantees stain-free toilets and laundry by effectively removing iron (up to 7 parts per million) from your well water. In addition, it eliminates sulfur (up to 8 ppm) that causes the unpleasant rotten egg smell, as well as manganese (up to 1 ppm) responsible for the off-putting tastes.
With these well water contaminants removed, you can trust the SpringWell WS for all your household activities, whether it’s drinking, cooking, or bathing.
The SpringWell WS filtration system uses an innovative air oxidation technology (AIO) combined with greensand to create a powerful purification process. The process involves passing the water through an air pocket, maintained at the top of the filter, to effectively oxidize the dissolved iron, manganese and sulfur content. The clumped-oxidized material is then skillfully trapped and removed by the greensand filter media. This unique approach ensures a high level of purification without the need for any maintenance, providing you with a convenient “set-and-forget” experience.
With its remarkable 1 million gallons filtration capacity, the Springwell WS system truly shines as a highly efficient and long-lasting solution for well water purification. This substantial capacity ensures that the system can provide exceptional performance for 9-19 years, catering to the needs of an average household of four to six people, all without the hassle of frequent filter changes or servicing.
The SpringWell WS effortlessly delivers an exceptional flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM), catering to larger homes with up to four bathrooms, ensuring consistent water pressure and flow even during peak usage times. For even greater demands, SpringWell offers a 20 GPM model, perfect for larger households with more than four bathrooms. Whether you have a bustling family or frequently entertain guests, the SpringWell WS’s flow rate guarantees an decent supply of clean and safe water for all your daily needs, from taps to showers and appliances.
One of the standout features of the SpringWell WS is its innovative Bluetooth headset – offering real-time digitalized feedback on filter performance. Monitoring the system’s efficiency and making adjustments via SpringWell Water Smart app ensures continuous access to pure and safe water for your family. Moreover, the system’s programmable options for backwash cycles, filtering, and regeneration promote water conservation, potentially saving thousands of gallons every year. This eco-friendly aspect not only benefits the environment but also contributes to cost savings on water usage.
The Springwell WS is built with durable stainless steel and its lifetime warranty, guarantees reliability and peace of mind for years to come.
While the initial investment for the system may be higher, priced at $2,200+, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits it provides. If we break down the investment over time, considering an average lifespan of 10 years, the daily cost of this filtration system would be just a few cents. This investment ensures crystal clear and safe water for your household, eliminating the need for bottled water or costly alternative filtration methods.
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2. SoftPro Iron Master – Best for High Level of Iron
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | Approx. 15 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Iron, Lead and Chlorine, and other well water contaminants |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Introducing SoftPro Iron Master, the next-generation solution for your well water needs. This highly efficient filtration system effectively combats issues like ugly red or orange-brown and black staining on toilets, sinks and laundry caused by excessive iron and manganese. Additionally, it also tackles the foul rotten egg smell, resulting from hydrogen sulfide content in your well water.
Undoubtedly, SoftPro Iron Master stands out as one of the best well water filtration systems for iron-related problems, providing you with pristine and odor-free water for your drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing and other daily household needs.
With the advanced Air Injection Oxidation (AIO) technology, SoftPro Iron Master effectively removes up to 30 ppm of iron, along with 7 ppm of manganese, and 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. When well water enters the filtration system, SoftPro Iron Master uses air as a natural oxidizer to turn the dissolved iron, manganese, and sulfur content into a rust-like form, which the katalox media bed then captures and removes from the system through automatic backwashing.
One drawback of the SoftPro Iron Master is its flow rate, which may not be sufficient if you’ve a large households with 4 to 5 bathrooms. Even with the upgraded 10 GPM flow rate in the 2 cubic foot model, the system may struggle to deliver adequate pressure for multiple bathrooms and fixtures during peak usage. As a result, the SpringWell WS system becomes a more suitable choice for homes with multiple bathrooms, as it offers more than 10 GPM even in its smallest model, guarantees better water pressure and flow rate.
The SoftPro Iron Master is a set-and-forget unit that efficiently filters water without the need for regular chemical additions like potassium permanganate for regeneration. The system only requires water for cleaning and operation, making it easy to manage and maintain.
With its durable stainless steel tank and efficient performance, the SoftPro Iron Master can reliably serve you for approximately 8 to 10 years, depending on the iron, manganese, sulfur and other mineral content in your well water. The katalox media, under typical conditions, can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, contributing to the system’s long-lasting filtration capabilities.
The installation of SoftPro Iron Master is made quick and easy with the free bonus upgrade of the Quick-Connect Hose Kit. If you have sufficient DIY plumbing knowledge, you can handle the installation yourself. Otherwise, consider hiring a handyman for a smooth and professional installation.
Lastly, the SoftPro Iron Master stands strong against other whole-house well water filtration systems due to its competitive price and no compromise on performance. However, it’s important to note that the SoftPro Iron Master doesn’t come with a sediment pre-filter. If your well water contains suspended particles like sand, silt, clay, and rust, the absence of a sediment filter could potentially decrease the lifespan of the filter components and affect the overall system performance.
3. Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST – Best for Killing Bacteria and Viruses
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 7 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 500,000 gallons |
| Water Softener | Salt-free |
| Targeted Contaminants | 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, heavy metals and pesticides |
| Price | $$ |
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST stands as an impressive well water filtration system, offering numerous benefits. These include providing safer, cleaner water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry. The system effectively prevents limescale formation on fixtures and promotes softer, healthier hair and skin. Additionally, it reduces the risk of water-borne illnesses and contributes to prolonging the lifespan of clothes and appliances.
NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified, the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST meets strict standards for removing contaminants like chlorine, lead, and sediment. Its multi-stage filtration process guarantees ultimate pure water for your household needs.
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST’s multi-stage filtration process includes the following steps:
- Sediment pre-filter: Removes large particles which are 14 times smaller than a human hair (70 microns) like sand, dirt, and rust from the water.
- Activated carbon filter: Eliminates 99% of chlorine, chloramines, and other organic contaminants from the water.
- KDF membrane: Filters out iron (99%), manganese (99%), and sulfur (99%), as well as lead (99%), mercury (70%), arsenic (90%), cadmium (80%), chromium (90%), nickel (80%), copper (90%), and zinc (90%) from the well water.
- UV purification: Uses ultraviolet light to kill 99% of bacteria and viruses in the water.
- Carbon post-filter: Removes 99% of any remaining contaminants from the water, including VOCs and taste- and odor-causing compounds.
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST has an exceptionally long lifespan of 500,000 gallons, providing purified water for approximately 5 years. While the sediment pre-filters should be replaced every 2 months and the carbon post-filters every 6 months, the system is designed for low maintenance, ensuring a continuous supply of clean water.
It’s essential to consider the replacement cost for the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST well water filtration system over a 5-year period. The sediment pre-filters typically cost around $30 (pack of 3), and the carbon post-filters typically cost around $30 each. The UV lamp has a lifespan of 12 months and costs around $100 to replace. The total replacement cost, including the pre-filters, post-filters, and UV lamp, sums up to approximately $160 to $180 per year.
Despite the downside of the reduced flow rate of 14.7 GPM, the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST system can still accommodate households with up to 2 bathrooms, making it suitable for a family of 2-3 persons. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term benefits of having purified well water for your family’s health and well-being outweigh the cost.
The Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST system comes with a complete self-installation kit featuring premium-grade components, ensuring a straightforward setup process that saves you $200 to $350 installation costs. What’s more, it’s backed by a generous 5-year warranty that covers DIY installation, providing peace of mind throughout the system’s lifespan.
4. Express Water 3-stage Whole House System – Best Cartridge Filter for Sediment and Heavy Metal Removal
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | Approx. 15 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Iron, Lead and Chlorine, and other well water contaminants |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
The Express Water 3-stage Heavy Metal Filter is a sturdy and mid-priced option for a whole-house well water system. The system uses a three-stage filtering process to effectively remove large particles, heavy metals, and other dissolved contaminants and impurities from your well water.
The Express Water Heavy Metal system’s three-stage filtering process includes:
- Stage 1 – Sediment filter: Removes 99% of sediment, rust, dirt, silt, sand, turbidity, cloudiness, and other large particles.
- Stage 2 – Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF): Removes heavy metals including, iron (95%), sulfur (90%), lead (99.9%), mercury (99.7%), arsenic (99.6%) cadmium (99.5%), chromium (99.4%), nickel (99.3%), copper (99.2%), pharmaceuticals, and Industrial solvents.
- Stage 3 – Activate carbon block filter: Removes 99% of chlorine, chloramines, TOC, VOCs, taste, odor, and other dissolved organic compounds.
With the capacity to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, the Express Water 3-Stage Heavy Metal Water Filter system’s long-lasting filters typically endure between 6 to 12 months. The added convenience of pressure gauges at the top of each filter allows you to monitor the performance.
Over time, filters in the Express Water 3-stage Whole House System may become clogged, leading to reduced water flow. But don’t worry – simply perform regular filter inspections and replace the filters timely. This proactive approach ensures that the system works at its best, providing you with filtered water consistently.
While the Express Water system works wonders in improving the taste and smell of water by removing chlorine and other chemicals, it doesn’t soften water or reduce total dissolved solids (TDS) levels.
With a flow rate of 0.25 gallons per second (around 15 GPM), Express Water Heavy Metal system is more than capable of delivering consistent water pressure without slowing down to cater to 3 to 4 bathrooms, making it an ideal fit for most families.
Built from stainless steel, ABS, and PCE plastic food-grade materials, Express Water Heavy Metal system guarantees to last, ensuring years of crystal-clear and safe water filtration. Its BPA-free composition adds an extra layer of safety. And the best part? This system eliminates the need to purchase bottled water, delivering clean and refreshing drinking water directly from your taps.
The Express Water 3-stage Heavy Metal System boasts a user-friendly design, making installation and maintenance effortless. Plus, with the added reassurance of a 1-year limited warranty, you can rest easy knowing that the system’s performance and durability are guaranteed throughout its filters’ lifespan.
5. iSpring WGB32BM – Best on a Budget
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 15 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Maintenance | Minimal |
| Targeted Contaminants | Iron, Manganese, Sediment and Heavy Metals |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Introducing the iSpring WGB32BM, an efficient and cost-effective solution for well water purification. This system features a three-stage filtration process, ensuring crystal clear and odor-free water.
The iSpring WGB32BM consists of the following stages:
- Stage 1 – Sediment filter: The 5-micron pore size filter effectively removes large particles like sediment, dirt, sand, and rust, purifying the water by 99%.
- Stage 2 – Carbon block filter: The carbon block filter made from coconut shell, removes 99% of chlorine, chloramines, and other taste and odor-causing chemicals, ensuring fresh and deliciously-tasting water.
- Stage 3 – Iron and manganese reducing filter: Reduces iron levels to 0.01 (Max 3 ppm) and manganese levels to 0.01 ppm (Max 1 ppm), eliminating common issues like orange stains, unpleasant odors, and metallic aftertaste.
The iSpring WGB32BM boasts a filter capacity of 100,000 gallons, which can last an average family approximately 2 to 3 years before needing replacements. Its impressive flow rate of 15 GPM ensures it meets the water demands of 3 to 4 bathrooms and various fixtures simultaneously.
The iSpring WGB32BM is equipped with NSF-certified filters, including NSF/ANSI 42 and 53, ensuring removal of chemicals, sediment, bacteria, viruses, and pesticides for improved water taste and quality. Thousands of satisfied well water consumers have praised its overall efficiency and effectiveness, making it a worthy contender for clean and pure water in your home.
The iSpring WGB32BM offers DIY installation with included components. Depending on your plumbing setup, you might need extra tools like a pipe cutter or hacksaw. If unsure, consider professional assistance. Nevertheless, with clear instructions and quality parts, DIY installation is achievable with some effort.
How to Choose a Well Water Filtration System
When purchasing a whole house water filter system for well water, consider the following:
- Contaminants Removed
- Flow Rate
- Certification
- Water Softening
- Installation
- Price
Contaminants Removed
Based on your well water test results, it becomes easier to narrow down filtration system that’s tailored to address specific or variety of contaminants.
The contaminants commonly found in well water include heavy metals (iron, manganese, arsenic, copper, zinc, mercury), microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites), and potential organic pollutants (herbicides, solvents, industrial chemicals). It’s essential to be aware of other substances that might be present like nitrates, radon, fluoride, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, paint, disinfectants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
If there’s moderate concentration of common well water contaminants like iron, manganese, and sulfur, the SpringWell WS emerges as our top choice for most American private wells.
However, if you find yourself facing significant amounts of iron, manganese, and sulfur in your well water, the SoftPro Iron Master takes the forefront. It’s specifically designed to handle excessive levels of these challenging contaminants, providing a powerful solution to improve your water quality.
For those seeking the ultimate purification, the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST system stands out as the leader. With its multi-stage filtration technology, it confidently removes a wide range of contaminants, guaranteeing the highest quality water without slowing down.
| Rank | Well Water Filtration System | Contaminants Removed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpringWell WS | Up to 7 ppm of Iron, 1 ppm of Manganese and 8 ppm of Sulfur |
| 2 | SoftPro Iron Master | Up to 30 ppm of Iron, 7 ppm of Manganese and 5 ppm of Sulfur |
| 3 | Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST | Sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, and pesticides |
| 4 | Express 3-Stage Heavy Metal Water Filter | Lead, iron, mercury, and other heavy metals |
| 5 | iSpring WGB32BM | Various heavy metals, sediment, chlorine, and other contaminants |
Flow Rate
Water flow rate is the amount of water passing through a specific point within a given amount of time. It’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
Typically, most households have a water flow rate of 2-3 GPM. Fortunately, whole-house water filtration systems generally offer a minimum flow rate of 7 GPM, which is sufficient to support up to 2 bathrooms without experiencing a drop in water pressure.
That said, all of our chosen whole-house well water filtration systems offer a flow rate of comfortably more than 7 GPM, ensuring you have enough water pressure to meet your needs for showering, doing the dishes, bathing and watering the lawn without experiencing any drop in performance.
| Rank | Well Water Filtration System | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpringWell WS | Up to 20 GPM |
| 2 | Express Water 3-Stage Heavy Metal Water Filter | 15 GPM |
| 3 | iSpring WGB32BM | 15 GPM |
| 4 | Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST | 14.7 GPM |
| 5 | SoftPro Iron Master | 10 GPM |
Certification
A certification in water filtration industry refers to an official recognition or endorsement provided by an independent organization, such as the NSF International or the Water Quality Association (WQA). The certification verifies that the water filter meets specific quality, safety and performance standards related to its effectiveness in treating water.
NSF International work together with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain standards, offering a range of certifications for water filtration systems. Common certifications associated with well water filtration systems include:
- NSF/ANSI 42: This certification ensures that the filtration system effectively reduces aesthetic impurities such as chlorine, taste, and odor, improving the overall taste and smell of the water.
- NSF/ANSI 53: This certification verifies the system’s ability to reduce specific contaminants related to health concerns, such as lead, arsenic, cysts, and other harmful substances such as heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and copper, disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine, and microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
- NSF/ANSI 44: This certification is specific to ion-exchange water softeners and confirms the system’s efficiency in removing hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium and replacing them with sodium or potassium ions.
Water Softening
Water softening primarily targets the removal of calcium and magnesium ions, the main minerals responsible for water hardness. It involves exchanging these calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) with sodium ions (Na+) through a process called ion exchange, typically done by a water softener. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg).
If your well water testing shows a hardness level higher than 7 grains per gallon (gpg) or 120 mg/L, experts from the Minnesota Department of Health recommend using a water softener. A water softener helps prevent mineral deposits from sticking to plumbing fixtures, pipes, and water-based appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. This not only saves money on expensive plumbing repairs and replacements due to scale buildup but also reduces the need for descaling agents and cleaning chemicals, making maintenance tasks easier and less frequent.
Most whole-house well water filtration systems don’t deal with water hardness. So, if you have well water with hardness issues, it’s highly recommended to choose a water filter and softener combo like the SpringWell WSSS Filter & Softener Combo. This combo takes care of both filtering the water and softening it, giving you clean, smell-free, softened, and bottled quality water all around your home.
Ease of Installation
Most well water filtration systems in our list are designed for self-installation. They come with clear, step-by-step instructions and all the necessary parts and components to help you assemble the system properly. However, please note that certain additional components, such as plumbing fittings or connectors, may need to be purchased separately.
If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, consider hiring a qualified plumber or handyman for installation to ensure a proper setup and avoid any potential issues such as leaks, reduced efficiency and water pressure.
Keep in mind that well water filtration systems like SpringWell WS and the iSpring WGB32BM could void their warranty if not installed by a qualified professional installer. So, make sure you don’t risk your warranty coverage by opting for a DIY project when installing these systems.
Price
Lastly, price is always a factor. Whole house well water filtration systems can range from under $1200 to upwards of $2500 for powerful flow rates and premium capacity, and adding more filtration technology to the unit.
What are Most Popular Water Filtration Technologies?
It’s natural to desire a cutting-edge water filtration technology that promises to remove every contaminant in your well water, leaving nothing but purest, cleanest water behind. However, the truth is that the “best” filtration technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the most suitable filtration technology is the one that meets your specific needs, effectively targeting the contaminants, impurities, microorganisms and hardness minerals present in your well water.
The water filtration technologies come in various forms, each with its own strengths and limitations. Let’s take a closer look at most popular options:
- Chemical Injection
- Air Injection
- Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection
Chemical Injection
Chemical injection is a water treatment method that involves adding selected chemicals to remove a wide range of contaminants from well water. The two commonly used chemicals for this purpose are chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.
Chlorine is an effective disinfectant and oxidizer that’s often used in removing moderate level iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. To work effectively, chlorine needs sufficient contact time (around 20 minutes) with the water to initiate oxidation process, which is provided by a contact tank. Chlorine also requires a retention tank, usually around 120 gallons, for complete disinfection and to eliminate any remaining contaminants.
Chlorine injection effectively removes up to 8 ppm of iron, 3 ppm of manganese, and 5 ppm of hydrogen sulfide.
On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a potent oxidizing agent that acts almost instantly upon contact, making it highly efficient in removing contaminants like hydrogen sulfide, iron, and manganese. Its rapid oxidation capability eliminates the need for a contact or retention tank for oxidation.
Hydrogen peroxide injection can effectively remove up to 30 ppm of iron, 10 ppm of manganese, 20 ppm of hydrogen sulfide, and organic compounds.
However, some people often prefer chemical-free treatments like air injection systems because chemicals, such as chlorine, can leave behind harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been linked to health issues such as cancer, birth defects, immune system problems, skin problems, and liver damage. Additionally, some people dislike the “chemical” or “metallic” taste and strange odor of water, which can be caused by chlorine or other chemicals used in the treatment process.
That said, using chemical water treatment methods typically sets an average family back around $200 to $450 per year, whereas chemical-free water treatment methods come with more affordable operating and maintenance costs, making them financially attractive to consumers.
Air Injection
Air injection is a high-effective water treatment method that uses compressed air to tackle common well water contaminants like iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. When water enters the filtration system, the compressed air triggers the oxidation reactions that convert these dissolved contaminants into solid particles. These particles can then be trapped and filtered out by a bed of filter media like greensand plus, katalox, or birm.
One of the advantages of air injection systems is their ability to maintain a higher water flow rate. Over time, contaminants can build up on the media’s surface, reducing flow and filtration efficiency. By periodically injecting air, the filter media gets agitated, dislodging the accumulated contaminants and restoring better flow.
Ultraviolet (UV) Filters
UV Filters work by exposing the well water to UV light, specifically UV-C wavelength that falls within the range of 200 to 280 nanometers (nm) on the electromagnetic spectrum. This light possesses germicidal properties and works by damaging the DNA/RNA of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and cysts, effectively preventing them from reproducing or functioning properly. As a result, the water leaving the system is safe and free from pathogens.
UV water treatment systems have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in eliminating 99% of those nasty microorganisms that can wreak havoc on our health. However, they work best when paired with a pre-treatment solution. Otherwise, bacteria and viruses can hide behind larger particles and sediments. Lastly, for the UV filters to work optimally, the water has to be clear. That’s why they are typically placed at the last stage in a multi-stage filtration process.
What are Most Popular Filter Media for Well Water Systems?
These are three most popular filter media for well water systems:
- Katalox Light: Katalox Light is a proprietary filtration media developed by Watch-Water, headquartered in Mannheim, Germany. This granular, catalytic filtration media is engineered with a unique MnO₂ coating technique on ZEOSORB. Its main purpose is to effectively remove and reduce a wide range of well water contaminants, particularly iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, as well as arsenic, zinc, copper, lead, radium, and uranium. However, many users have reported issues with Katalox Light, including media clumping and challenging-to-stabilize pH levels. For instance, manganese can cause pH issues at pH 9 or higher, and below pH 6.5, iron may redissolve, which defeats the purpose of elimination. Additionally, pH spikes might persist even after regeneration.
- Greensand Plus: It’s an improved version of traditional Manganese Greensand, featuring enhanced oxidation properties due to its manganese dioxide coating that’s applied to silica sand, to enhance its oxidation properties, making it an excellent choice for well water treatment. It’s proven to be highly effective in removing iron up to 10 ppm and manganese up to 5 ppm, and over 8 ppm of hydrogen sulfide. The notable difference is that unlike Manganese Greensand, Greensand Plus does not need the addition of potassium permanganate (“Pot-Perm”) for regeneration. Instead, it can be effectively regenerated using just air or occasionally chlorine (sodium hypochlorite).
- Birm: It’s a cost-effective and lightweight filtration media (under 40 lbs per ft3) that can remove high level of iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from well water. Unlike Manganese Greensand and Greensand Plus, Birm does not require a chemical oxidizing agent like potassium permanganate for regeneration. However, Birm has some limitations reported by users. It’s sensitive to low pH and low total dissolved solids (TDS). When exposed to these conditions, it may break down and release magnesium into the water.
| Filter Media | Required pH | Effectiveness | Backwash Requirement | Renegeration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filox | 5.0 to 9.0 | Typically removes iron (up to 15 ppm), manganese (up to 3 ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (up to 7 ppm). Also reduces the levels of arsenic. | Daily backwash (12-15 GPM/ft2) | Not required | $400-$500 per ft3 |
| Katalox Light | 6.5 to 8.5 | Typically removes iron (up to 10 ppm), manganese (up to 3 ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (up to 8 ppm). Also reduces the levels of arsenic, zinc, copper, lead, radium, and uranium. | Every 3 to 6 months backwash (12-15 GPM/ft2) | Not required | $150-$300 per ft3 |
| Greensand Plus | 6.5 to 6.8 | Typically removes iron (up to 10 ppm), manganese (up to 5 ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (up to 8 ppm). | Daily backwash (10-14 GPM/ft2) | Yes (every 2 to 4 years) with chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) | $300-$400 per ft3 |
| Birm | 6.8 to 9.0 and 15% dissolved oxygen (DO) | Typically removes iron (up to 10 ppm), manganese (up to 2 ppm) and hydrogen sulfide (up to 1 ppm). | Every week backwash (10-12 GPM/ft2) | Yes (every 2 to 4 years) | $140-$250 per ft3 |
Conclusion
Homeowners who rely on well water often encounter various contaminants. Heavy metals can damage plumbing and fixtures, while rust causes water discoloration, and chlorine imparts a chemical taste. Moreover, microscopic contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and certain heavy metals like lead and arsenic pose significant health risks.
To safeguard your home’s plumbing, appliances, and your family’s health, investing in a whole-house well water filtration system is a wise decision. These systems are available in all the capacities and can effectively target specific and variety of contaminants, making them suitable for different family sizes and water purification needs. With a well water filtration system in place, you can ensure crystal-clear and safe water for your daily household needs and consumption.