Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Buy a water softening system
• Method 2 of 3: Install an oxidation filter
• Method 3 of 3: Try a reverse osmosis filter
• Tips

Besides lime, a high iron content in water is the most common problem faced by users of water from natural sources. However, with the right water filter you can get the iron out of your spring water in a quick and easy way. Some filters, such as water softeners, are ideal for removing traces of iron, while other filters, such as reverse osmosis filters, are better used for removing minerals and harmful substances. With the right filter you make your spring water drinkable again.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Buy a water softening system

1. Have your well water tested to find out which water treatment option is best for you. Before determining how to filter your water, send a sample to a lab for testing. This will give you a better idea of ​​the presence of harmful minerals, in addition to iron, in your water and help you decide which water purification system is best suited to your situation.
2. Choose a water softener only to remove iron. Water softeners are usually equipped to replace iron in the water with other minerals, but they do not remove more harmful substances such as arsenic or sulfur. If you have had your spring water tested and it contains other minerals besides iron, you should choose another option.
3. Avoid water softeners if you are on a salt-free diet. Water softeners replace iron minerals with sodium and work on salt. If you are currently not allowed to eat salt, you should choose another iron-removing method (such as oxidation filtration or reverse osmosis).
   • Since sodium cannot be absorbed in large quantities through the skin, people on a salt-free diet can use the water for washing or cleaning.
4. Install one yourself water softening system or call a craftsman. Every water softening system is different - some are simply attached to your well water pump or faucet and you can install yourself. Others are more difficult to install and require some professional help. Read your model's instructions and if you don't know how to properly install the system, call a plumber or the company you purchased the system from for assistance.
5. Use high-purity salt in your water softener. When purchasing salt for your water softener, look for salt with a high purity backbone such as evaporated salt or sea salt. That leaves less residue in your water softening tank.
   • There are water softening salts that are specially made for high iron concentrations. Check the label to find the salt that works best for your water.
6. Retest the spring water after installing the water softening system. After you install your water softening system, send another sample to a lab for testing. Check for harmful minerals in the water that your water softener has not filtered.
   • If there are high levels of another harmful mineral, you should try a different filter option.

Method 2 of 3: Install an oxidation filter

1. Use oxidation filtration to remove traces of iron and arsenic. Oxidation filters are generally stronger than water softeners and can remove harmful chemicals commonly found in spring water, especially arsenic. If your spring water contains traces of iron and arsenic, opt for an oxidation system to filter your water.
   • Oxidation filters also remove the "rotten egg" smell and taste in the water caused by sulfur.
   • If you have not yet had your spring water tested for arsenic, it is highly recommended that you do so. Arsenic is often found in private wells.
2. Contact a plumber or filtration company to install your oxidation filtration system. Find a local company that sells filtration systems and compare their prices for source or house filters. Choose the price that best covers your needs and contact the company to ask them to install the filter. If you prefer to install an oxidation filter yourself, look for a product online or at a DIY store that can be easily installed yourself.
   • If you buy an oxidation filter online, you can always ask a plumber for help with the installation.
3. Handle with care with chlorine-based oxidation filters. Some oxidation filters use chlorine bleach, a hazardous chemical. Read the filter care instructions carefully to avoid too much chlorine ending up in your drinking water. Never touch chlorine with your bare hands and keep it out of the reach of children or pets.
   • Chlorine-based oxidation filters disinfect water better than non-chlorine filters.
4. Test your well water after installing an oxidation filter. After installing the oxidation filter, send a new water sample to a lab and compare the new results with the old results. If the oxidation filter doesn't get all of the harmful minerals out of the water, you should consider a different water cleaning system.
5. Regularly perform routine maintenance of your oxidation filter. Clean your oxidation filter regularly according to the product instructions to keep it in the best possible condition. If at any point you are concerned about its performance, send a water sample to a lab to make sure the filter is working properly.

Method 3 of 3: Try a reverse osmosis filter

1. Use a reverse osmosis filter to remove frequent traces of minerals. Reverse Osmosis Filters are effective in removing iron, manganese, salt, fluorine and lead. If you've tested your spring water and the results show the presence of several minerals in addition to iron, reverse osmosis is probably the best option.
   • Reverse osmosis can help remove traces of arsenic.
   • A disadvantage of reverse osmosis filters is that, along with the harmful minerals, it also removes good minerals such as calcium from your water.
2. Avoid reverse osmosis if you want an environmentally friendly filter. For every 3.79 liters of treated water, the osmosis filter creates 26-34 liters of waste water. If you advocate a "green" lifestyle, opt for an oxidation filter or a water softener.
3. Install a reverse osmosis filter or have a craftsman install it. As with water softeners, each reverse osmosis filter has different installation instructions. In some cases you can install it yourself. Read the instructions carefully and, if they are complicated, contact a plumber or the company where you purchased the reverse osmosis filter.
   • Reverse Osmosis Filters can be purchased online or at most DIY stores.
4. Call a craftsman for routine maintenance every other year or every two years. Of all available well water filters, reverse osmosis filters require the least maintenance. As long as they are properly installed, they don't require maintenance more than once a year or every two years. Call a plumber or a company that installs reverse osmosis filters for service or if you notice a metallic or iron-like taste in your water.

Tips

• Test your spring water for bacteria and minerals before choosing an iron-removing system. This will help you choose the best system for your spring water. This way you also know immediately whether the water contains harmful germs or substances.
• If your spring water is contaminated with bacteria in addition to the iron, you can make the water drinkable by adding chlorine.