In addition to the level of hardness, high iron levels in water are also a common problem faced by households. However, with the right filter, you can remove iron from your water quickly and easily. Some filters, such as water softeners, are ideal for removing light traces of iron, while others are more effective at removing many harmful minerals and substances. Choose the right filter so that the water can be drunk again.
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Method 1 of 3: Getting a Water Softener System
Step 1. Test the well water to determine the best water purification option
Before choosing how to filter the water, send a sample to a laboratory for testing. This way, you will better understand what harmful minerals are in the water other than iron; this determines the water purification system to be selected.
Step 2. Choose a special water softener to get rid of iron
Water softeners are usually able to replace iron with other minerals in the water, but cannot remove other harmful minerals, such as arsenic or sulfur. If you test well water and find other harmful minerals, it's best to choose one that can also get rid of them.
Step 3. Avoid water softeners if you are on a low sodium diet
Water softeners work by replacing iron with sodium and so require salt. If you cannot currently afford a high-sodium diet, you may want to choose another method (such as oxidation filtration or reverse osmosis).
Because sodium cannot be absorbed in large quantities through the skin, water softeners are safe to use on low-sodium diets for washing or cleansing water
Step 4. Install the water softener system yourself or use a professional
Every water softener system is different; some simply installed on the pump or tap water wells and can be done yourself. However, others require professional services. Read the system user manual, and if in doubt about installing it properly, contact a plumber or ask the company from which you purchased the water softener for assistance.
Step 5. Use high-purity salt in a water softener
When purchasing water softening salt, look for high-purity options such as steam or solar salt. These two salts leave less residue on the softener tank.
Some softening salts are made specifically for water with a high iron concentration. Check the label to find the right salt for the water
Step 6. Test the well water again after installing the water softener system
After installing the softener system, send the sample back to the laboratory for testing. Check for harmful minerals remaining in the water and not filtered out by the water softener system.
If levels of harmful minerals are still significant, we recommend trying other filter options
Method 2 of 3: Installing an Oxide Filter
Step 1. Use an oxidation filter to remove traces of iron and arsenic
These filters are usually more powerful than water softeners and can remove harmful chemicals commonly found in well water, particularly arsenic. If traces of arsenic and iron need to be removed from well water, choose an oxidation system to filter the water.
- Oxidation filters can also get rid of the "rotten egg" smell and taste in water caused by hydrogen sulfide (sulfur).
- If you have not tested for traces of arsenic in well water, it is highly recommended that you do so. High levels of arsenic are common in private wells.
Step 2. Contact a plumber or filter company to install an oxidation filtration system
Do some research on companies that sell filter systems and compare prices for home and well filters. Choose the price that best suits your needs and contact the company to install it. If you prefer to install the oxidation filter yourself, look online or at a hardware store and choose one marked easily-installable.
If you purchased an oxidation filter online, try contacting a plumber to help you install the system
Step 3. Handle chlorine-based oxidation filters with care
Some oxidation filters use chlorine, which is a dangerous chemical. Read the filter user manual carefully to avoid pouring too much chlorine into drinking water. Never touch chlorine with bare hands, and keep out of reach of children and pets.
Oxidation filters that use chlorine are better at disinfecting water than filters without chlorine
Step 4. Test the water after the oxidation filter is installed
Send another water sample to the laboratory and compare the results with the test results before the filter system was installed. If the oxidation filter doesn't seem to be filtering out harmful minerals, you can try other water purification options.
Step 5. Maintain regular oxidation filter maintenance
Clean the oxidation filter regularly according to the user manual to keep it in the best possible condition. If you ever have concerns about filter performance, send a water sample to the nearest laboratory to make sure the filter is functioning properly.
Method 3 of 3: Trying the Reverse Osmosis Filter
Step 1. Use a reverse osmosis filter to remove some trace minerals
A reverse osmosis filter can help remove iron, manganese, salt, fluoride, and lead. If the well water test results indicate that there are many other minerals besides iron contained in it, this osmosis filter can be the best option.
- Reverse osmosis is also useful for removing traces of arsenic.
- One of the drawbacks of an osmosis filter is that it helps remove good minerals such as calcium along with harmful minerals from your water supply.
Step 2. Stay away from reverse osmosis if you want an eco-friendly filter
For every 4 liters of filtered water, the reverse osmosis filter also produces 28-36 liters of waste water. If you want to adopt a more “green” lifestyle, we recommend choosing an oxidizing filter or a water softener.
Step 3. Install a reverse osmosis filter or hire a professional
Like water softeners, each reverse osmosis filter is installed very differently. In some cases, you can install it yourself. Read the user manual carefully, and if confused, contact a plumber or the company that sold the reverse osmosis filter you purchased.
Reverse osmosis filters can be purchased online or at many hardware stores
Step 4. Call a professional for routine maintenance every 1-2 years
Of all the water well filters available, the reverse osmosis filter is the most durable. Provided they are installed correctly, these filters only need to be maintained every 1-2 years. Call a plumber or reverse osmosis filter installation company for maintenance or when you get a taste of the metallic iron in the water again.
Tips
- Test for bacteria and minerals in well water before selecting an iron drain system. This helps you choose the best system for your well water needs and protects you from pathogens or harmful residues.
- If the well water is contaminated with bacteria along with iron, chlorinate the well water to make it safe to drink.
