Is Bleach & Chlorine the Same for Well Water?

Owners of water wells often find themselves needing to treat their water with chlorine to remove dangerous bacteria. A frequent question is if regular household bleach can be used instead of chlorine tablets.

What is Bleach?

• According to the American Ground Water Trust, bleach is usually 5 to 6 percent chlorine. Chlorine is derived from sodium chloride, or salt.

How Chlorine Works

• North Dakota State University's chlorination report states that chlorine destroys many kinds of bacteria and parasites that are sometimes found in ground water.

Recommendations

• The University of Georgia recommends using common household bleach to disinfect well water. Check the bottle to make sure the bleach is chlorine based. Scented or other versions should never be used for water purification.

Using Bleach

• Household bleach can be used to disinfect a well by first mixing with water and then pouring into the well. The University of Georgia recommends 3 pints of bleach for every 100 gallons of water.

Using Chlorine Tablets

• If you prefer to use chlorine tablets, these can be purchased from water-treatment companies. The directions for using these should accompany the tablets.