Drawing your own water can be rewarding, but it's important to consider the challenges, such as contaminants like chlorine, rust, and pesticides, which can affect water purity. Keep these in mind as you pursue the off-grid dream.
Improve the quality of your well water with a whole house filter. These systems remove common contaminants like sediment and giardia, giving you clean, bottled-quality water.
We provide reviews to help you find the best option for your needs. Whole house well water filters can be a significant investment, so do your research before making a decision.
The Best Whole House Well Water Filtration Systems in 2023
1. Springwell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System – Best For Larger Households
Springwell WS1’s cutting-edge filter system is designed to be more efficient and economical than ever and, targeting sulfur, manganese, and iron it’s exceptionally well suited to domestic well water.
| 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 |
The Springwell WS1 Well Water Filtration System passes water through an air pocket to oxidize contaminants and trap and remove the oxidized material. Unlike filter media with a limited lifespan, this system is set-and-forget, providing pure water without the need for constant maintenance. With a 12 GPM capacity, it is suitable for larger homes with up to four bathrooms. There is also a 20 GPM model available for larger homes.
The Springwell WS1 system also includes an innovative Bluetooth headset that provides constant, digitized feedback on filter performance and allows you to optimize the system through your smartphone. You can program backwash cycles and time filtering and regeneration to fit your family's needs, potentially saving thousands of gallons of water per year and reducing your water bill. While the system does have a high price tag, it offers advanced digital features for purified well water.
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2. Express Water 3-stage Whole House System – Best For Lead And Iron Filtering
The Express Water 3-stage Whole House System is a durable and mid-priced option for a whole house well water system. It's a great all-around choice.
| 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 Whole House System is designed to remove heavy metals, chlorine, and other contaminants from your well water, leaving you with purified drinking water. This system uses a three-stage filtering process to effectively remove contaminants and sediment.
Built from stainless steel and food-grade plastics, the Express Water 3-stage Whole House System guarantees a long lifespan. The filters have a 100,000-gallon capacity and can be easily replaced when needed.
The 0.25 gallon per second flow rate, translating to around 15 GPM, ensures the system won't choke with high use. It's perfect for families looking to purify their well water. Please note that this system does not soften water or reduce TDS levels.
3. Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST Whole House Well Water Filter System – Best For Low Maintenance and a Long Lifespan
Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST is an impressive water filtration system for well water. It utilizes activated carbon and a KDF membrane and then combines this with UV purification and descaling for ultimately pure water.
| 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 well water filtration system is designed for low maintenance and has an exceptionally long lifespan of 500,000 gallons, providing purified water for approximately 5 years. Although the pre- and post-filters require more frequent replacement, the system is easy to install with a complete self-installation kit that includes all premium-grade components. The warranty even covers DIY installation for complete peace of mind.
One drawback of the Aquasana EQ-WELL-UV-PRO-AST is the slightly reduced flow rate of 7 GPM. However, the system effectively targets 99.9% of viruses and bacteria as well as heavy metals and pesticides, ensuring you have access to clean drinking water on demand.
4. iSpring WGB32BM – Best Compact Filter For Smaller Spaces
The iSpring WGB32BM well water filter system is ideal for well water. It has a targeted sediment filter and a heavy metal filter aimed at iron and manganese.
| 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 |
The iSpring WGB32BM package offers exceptional value for its long-life filtering capabilities. Its filters have a capacity of 100,000 gallons and a flow rate of 15 GPM, making it suitable for families with moderate to high water consumption.
These filters have been independently verified to NSF standards and can remove heavy metals, sediment, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and pesticides. However, the unit does not come with a descaler. You may need to add a water softener to extend the filter system's lifespan.
iSpring has designed a compact WGB32BM unit that doesn't compromise on filtering quality. It includes everything you need for a DIY installation.
5. 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 – Best For Great Tasting Drinking Water
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 isn't designed to remove every contaminant, but it's highly effective at removing aesthetic impurities. It's also a good choice for those on a budget.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 20 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Maintenance | Minimal |
| Targeted Contaminants | Chlorin and Sediment |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 25-Year |
The 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 filter is certified by NSF 42 for removing impurities that affect the taste and quality of drinking water, such as sediment and chlorine. However, it doesn't remove viruses, metals, or bacteria. Make sure to fully understand the quality of your water before purchasing.
With a capacity of 100,000 gallons, the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 is suitable for families and has a flow rate of up to 15 GPM, ensuring a consistent supply of water.
While the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 is designed for DIY installation, some components and fittings, such as plumbers tape, 1” connections, and 2” ball valves, aren't included and may need to be purchased separately.
Overall, the 3M Aqua-Pure AP903 offers good value if you are looking for clean, flavorful drinking water and are not concerned with other contaminants.
6. Culligan WH-HD200-C – Best For Targeting Rust And Sediment
The Culligan WH-HD200-C has a combo filtration system and cartridge. This budget option targets several contaminants in your water supply.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 3 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 10,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Sediment, Rust, Grit and Sand |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 2-Year |
The Culligan WH-HD200-C's sediment cartridge is designed to block particles wider than 25 microns from entering your home water supply. It excels at removing rust, sediment, grit, and sand, and can reduce chlorine too. This results in great-tasting drinking water without sediment.
However, the Culligan WH-HD200-C isn't targeted at removing a range of chemicals and metals commonly found in well water. I'd recommend testing your water before committing to a limited filter like this one.
The filter cartridge has a capacity of 10,000 gallons, so you can expect to change it every three months for average use. If your water contains heavy sediment, you may need to change it more frequently.
The flow rate of just 3 GPM may occasionally limit you if you're a busy household with high water usage.
Despite this, the Culligan WH-HD200-C is a great value sediment filtering option. It comes with everything you need for installation, making it easy to get filtered water flowing.
7. AQUABOON BB-20B – Best For Choice Of Replacement Filters
The AQUABOON BB-20B well water filtration system is easy to install and fits all sizes. It features a standardized filter slot, allowing you to choose from a wide range of filter cartridges. Thanks to its easy installation and diverse filter options, the AQUABOON BB-20B is a convenient choice for well water filtration.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 3 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Sediment, Rust, Virus, Chemical and Heavy Metals |
| Price | $ |
AQUABOON BB-20B is a one-stage filter that does not have pre- or post-filtering. It also lacks KDF and activated carbon, which means it doesn't target chemicals, viruses, or heavy metals. However, it's effective in removing rust and sediment.
The AQUABOON BB-20B filter is built from premium materials, including a high-flow polypropylene cap, and has a double-O ring lock to reduce the risk of leaks. It is designed to be long-lasting and durable.
The AQUABOON BB-20B has an easy-install design that does not require any specialist tools. Replacing filters is simple, minimizing the maintenance needed on the unit. Overall, it has been designed to be exceptionally easy to use.
8. Home Master Whole House 3-Stage Filtration System – Best For A Powerful Flow Rate
The Home Master whole house well water filter system features three stages of exceptional filtering capacity. The system is designed to filter water for an entire home.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 15 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Iron, Sulfur, Sediments, Heavy Metals, Chemicals |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 2-Year |
The Home Master Whole House Well Water Filter's activated carbon layer is effective at removing pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals. The four-depth sediment filter can eliminate particles down to a microscopic 1 micron.
Home Master Whole House Well Water Filter is also capable of reducing iron content to 3ppm, which is particularly important for well water. The output is a clean and great-tasting drinking supply.
Thanks to up-sized filters, the filter offers a premium flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute. It's great for busy households with high water usage – you'll never see the flow fall to a trickle with this.
Everything you need for installation, including bolts, brackets, and other components, is included in the box. The Home Master Whole House Well Water Filter is a well water filtration system for comprehensive filtering, but it comes with a premium price tag.
9. EcoPure EPWO4 – Best Cheapest Option
The EcoPure EPWO4 filter housing unit is easy to install and works with a variety of filters, including all major brands.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Flow Rate | 15 GPM |
| Filtration Capacity | 100,000 gallons |
| Targeted Contaminants | Sediments, Chlorine, Rust |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
EcoPure EPWO4 offers great customer choice when it comes to filters. Its affordable price makes it an attractive option for those in the well water filter system market. The housing unit is designed for a single filter and can remove sediment and rust down to 1 micron. Chlorine removal is also possible with the right filter, which is sold separately. The durable BPA-free plastic components are designed for long life and everything needed for self-installation is included.
Filters aside, what will appeal to most customers is the price. The EcoPure EPWO4 provides filtered water without breaking the bank. Don't let the low cost fool you, this is a great value product.
The Buying Guide for Whole House Well Water Filtration Systems
When purchasing a whole house water filter system for well water, consider the following:
Targeted Contaminants
Choose a filter that addresses your specific concerns, such as lead, iron, pesticides, or total dissolved solids (TDS). A multi-stage filter with pre- and post-filtering can remove a range of chemicals and offer remineralization for better tasting water.
Sediment Targeting
Well water often contains sediment, which is measured in microns. The smaller the number, the more effective the filter is at removing debris. Budget filters may filter at 25 microns, while premium models can filter down to 1 micron.
Filter Capacity and Lifespan
Filter capacity is typically in the tens of thousands of gallons, with some premium models reaching 100,000 gallons. Filter lifespan is the recommended time before replacement is needed. Water quality, including sediment and chlorine, can shorten lifespan and compromise water quality if the filter is not replaced regularly. Lifespans of 3 to 6 months are common, with replacement costs factored into the budget.
Flow Rate
Consider the flow rate for daily needs, such as showers and filling water bottles. Small filters may have limited flow rates of 3 gallons per minute, while premium filters can reach 15 GPM for larger households.
Certification
National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification is the main standard in the water filter industry, but some brands use alternative independent testing. NSF also offers different levels of certification, so check that it covers the contaminants you are concerned about.
For example, NSF 42 certification ensures that aesthetic contaminants such as chlorine are removed, so you can be sure the filtered output will taste great – but it doesn’t tell you anything about contaminants that put your health at risk.
Water Softening
Some whole house well filters offer a descaling treatment such as reverse osmosis as an additional stage, to prevent minerals in hard water from bonding with pipes and appliances, saving money on maintenance and longer filter lifespan.
Installation and Maintenance
Most systems are designed for self-installation, but consider hiring a professional if you're not comfortable with DIY projects. Maintenance typically involves regularly replacing filters. Check the availability and cost of replacement filters before purchasing.
Price
Lastly, price is always a factor. Whole house well water filtration systems can range from under $400 for simple, sediment removal filters to upwards of $2500 for powerful flow rates and premium capacity, and the widest range of contaminants filtered.
Conclusion
People who draw their own water from a well are familiar with various contaminants. These may include rust that discolors the water or the chemical taste of chlorine.
However, there are also microscopic contaminants that can't be seen, such as bacteria that can cause illness and heavy metals that can harm health.
To ensure the safety of well water, it's recommended to install a whole-house well water filtration system. These systems come in various sizes and can target specific contaminants, making them suitable for different water needs and family sizes.
