Why Your Private Well Water Needs Filtration If You Want To Drink It

What is well water, and why do homes use it? Ground or well water is literally underground, and to get at the groundwater aquifer, you need a bore and a pump. Homes get the water for free, so if they can, they want to use it everywhere around the home, including washing and drinking.

However, have you tasted unfiltered well water? It’s not nice unless you like a metallic or dirt taste. Plus, unfiltered groundwater will have a lot of nasties in it that make it risky to drink. But a lot of homes are drinking their private well water.

A 2017 American Housing survey by US Census found that 13 million homes use private wells for their drinking water and that the EPA doesn’t regulate private wells, so homeowners using groundwater are on their own.

However, they do have information on how to test the well, protect it from pollutants and prevent contamination. Using groundwater is a caveat emptor, or buyer beware event, so it pays to know how to get a well constructed professionally and then add a filtration system so you can drink the water safely.

Install

There are three types of wells and the install may cost around $5500 – the holes in the ground created to get to the groundwater aquifer. Either your bore has been dug, drilled or driven.

Dug Well

A bore that has been dug by hand is the shallowest and the riskiest for contamination. Their casing is also more rudimentary, i.e. using stones or bricks. Their depth is usually between 10 and 30 feet.

Driven Well

The casing for this bore is the pipe driven into the ground up to a depth of 50 feet.

Drilled Well

Drilled bores are the most professional. They have the lowest contamination risk as they are also the deepest, i.e. the casing can go on for thousands of feet.

The well is connected to electricity to run the jet or submersible pump. Finally, you have a pressure tank that holds the water that you’ll still want to use wisely and this is where you need to connect your filtration system.

It comes as no surprise that a well water system is a necessary tool for any residential or commercial setting. However, each well is unique in its way. A water filtration system can solve a problem or two for your well, but not for another individual.

That is why you need to research your well water filtration system before you install one. And lucky for you, today’s piece is all about such filters and why they are so important.

Questions and Answers – Well Water Filtration

In this article, we have a Q& on all things well water filtration.

Should I Test My Well Water?

The answer to that question is a yes, no matter how you look at it. First, you have to test your well water to find out if there are present problems. Or perhaps the water could be contaminated. And finally, to test it to see if it is safe to use. Most homes have wells. But for some odd reason, water testing is not included in a regular house inspection.

You may have to get in touch with a professional contractor to do the testing. On the other hand, if you want to save some cash, you may opt to do the test without professional assistance. You may do that, but do prepare for the task – use appropriate equipment, and handle the job with care.

How About A Water Filtration System?

To put it into more simple terms, a water filtration system filters and purifies water before it reaches your faucets and pipes. Such a system guarantees safe, pure, and clean water for your daily consumption and usage.

Is There More Than One Kind Of Well Water Filter?

Yes. You might be surprised to find out that numerous well water filters exist. These one-of-a-kind systems have a specific function to play. Some of these well water filters are on the list below:

• Sediment filters
• Water softeners
• Whole house water filtration systems
• Ultraviolet water filters
• Shower filters
• Reverse osmosis filters
• Faucet filtration
• Iron well water filters
• Sulfur well water filters

Find out first if the well water has pre-existing issues before you set up a well water filter system. Finding out the problem first will save you from a lot of unnecessary expenses. Let’s use bacteria as our example. If you find them on your well, it’s best to install a UV water purifier. Among the best-rated UV systems for well water are SpringWell and Crystal Quest.

Is It Paramount To Have A Quality Well Water Filtration System In My Setting?

If you value your time, money, and health, that would be a hundred percent yes. But, to begin with, well water might not be the safest water to use immediately.

It is entirely different from city water. City water undergoes several processes and treatments to eliminate all kinds of contaminants and microorganisms. Well, water does not have that same kind of luxury. It might contain heavy metals, debris, chemicals, and other unwanted compounds. That is why a quality well water filtering system is a must.

How About The Costs?

How much you will spend on your well’s water filter will depend on a couple of determinants:

• What kind of water is present in the well
• The type of filter you will need to install
• The contamination level of the water

Another cost factor will be if you hire a contracting company to install the system on your behalf. You will have to pay for transportation, labour, materials, and other charges.

Does A Well Water Filter Last? If So, How Long?

A standard water filter has a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years. However, this duration might change, depending on the following:

• How often do you utilize the system in a day
• The set conditions and instructions of your filter manufacturing company
• The type of water that goes through the filtration system
• And how much of the water passes through

In addition, it is a decent practice to check the filter every once in a while. This aspect is to see if any damage is present. Doing so also allows you to replace any parts if necessary. This practice will make your filter last longer than its designated duration.

Summing Up

Use or install your own private water well and get the best filtration system you can afford the water is safe to drink and use around the home and garden.