Well Water Treatment Options

Well water can become contaminated for a variety of reasons. Pathogens such as E. coli and Giardia intestinalis can be transferred through the water, which can cause disease. If your well water becomes contaminated, steps must be taken to ensure that the water is cleared of pollutants, which makes the water safe for consumption.

Coagulation/Flocculation Sedimentation

• Coagulation and flocculation sedimentation is a type of filtration process. A coagulant such as iron salts or aluminum salts are added to the affected water. These coagulants have a positive charge. When the coagulant is added to the water, it creates a negative charge with the debris suspended in the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the debris then clings to the coagulants, creating large particles known as floc. The floc settles to the bottom of the well, causing sedimentation.

Filters

• Filters are composed of sand, gravel or charcoal. Before passing through a filter, the well water is first treated to remove large debris such as leaves or sticks. The filter then removes smaller particles, bacteria, viruses or chemicals as the water passes through the filter barriers.

Water Softeners

• Water softeners are used to remove ions that create hard water, as indicated by Lenntech Water Treatment Solutions. Ions are charged particles that come from minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Water softeners extract hard minerals, replacing magnesium and calcium ions with sodium or potassium ions, thus making the water soft.

Disinfection

• Once well water has been treated and filtered, disinfectants are added to kill any residual bacteria, viruses or parasites. Disinfectants usually refer to chlorine or chloramine. As indicated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, chloramine is chlorine and ammonia combined.