Are you searching for the best filter for well water? You have come to the right place! Water from wells contains contaminants like bacteria and other pollutants, so it’s essential to ensure your drinking water is safe.
A good filter can help reduce more common contaminants, such as chlorine, lead, rust, dirt, and other particles.
Many filters are available for well water, so deciding which is best for your situation can be challenging. Don’t worry! I am here to help. In this article, I have shared the 7 best filter for well water.
Comparison Of Best Filter For Well Water
IMAGE | MODEL | FEATURES | COST | RATING |
 | iSpring 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration | Designed for iron and manganese removal, 100000 gallons capacity, Polypropylene material | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | PENTAIR Whole House Water Treatment and Disinfection | Kills bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, Uses environmentally-friendly UV light, Stainless steel exterior resists rust and corrosion | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Home Master Whole House Water Filtration System | Removes 95% of iron, manganese, sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants, Oversize filters to improve flow rate and reduce maintenance frequency, Massive filter housings with 1-inch ports | CHECK PRICE | 4.3 / 5 |
 | Express Water 3 Stage Water Filtration | Long-term durability and quality, Stainless steel material, 0.25 gallons capacity | CHECK PRICE | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System | Top-grade install kit & components, High-performance filter system, Cost-efficient & long-lasting | CHECK PRICE | 4 / 5 |
 | APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series | 100% lead-free designer faucet, 40-85 psi feed water pressure, Reverse osmosis purification | CHECK PRICE | 4.7 / 5 |
 | AFWFilters Iron Pro Water Softener Iron Filter | Fine mesh resin for high iron removal & long life, Comes complete with brine tank, DIY instructions, bypass valve, Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for efficiency | CHECK PRICE | 4.4 / 5 |
What You’ll Need
Tools you need to install the best filter for well water:
- CPVC tubing
- Fittings
- Teflon tape (for any 3/4 fitting connections)
For spin-down filter:
- Fittings/ tubing
- U-bracket
For calcite filter:
- Tape
- Tape measure
- Calcite media
- Funnel
- Fittings/ tubing
For UV system:
- Prefilter housing
- Quartz sleeve
- Mounting brackets
- Fittings
- 5-micron pre filter
- UV lamp
- Flex line
- Cloth
To flush the system:
- Bleach
Actions To Do Before Buying The Best Filter For Well Water
Before investing in a filtration system for your well water, it’s beneficial to conduct a test of the liquid to determine what pollutants are in it and how much of them are present. This will help you decide if contaminants are adequate to necessitate filtration.
It is possible to acquire water testing sets online and conduct them in the comfort of one’s home. Some of these must be sent to a laboratory for evaluation, whereas others are for household usage. These domestic test kits include strips that shift color based on the present pollutants.
It is possible to employ a water service provider in the nearby area to conduct tests on the water. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention suggest people analyze their well water yearly.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Filter For Well Water
When selecting a well water filtration system, it is essential to examine some components, such as the kind of pollutants it will eliminate, the size of the filter, the flow rate, as well as the type of filter. Assessing these details will help to decide on the best filter for well water for a residence.
Filter Type
Whole-house filtration systems use different water filters for well water. These include activated carbon, resin, reverse osmosis, water ionizer, UV, and infrared filters.
- Resin – If you are looking for a filter to reduce the amount of iron in your water, then a resin filter is the best option since it is durable and allows a good amount of water to flow through.
- Water ionizer – Water ionizers employ an electric current to purify water and can eradicate heavy metals and pesticides. Check what pollutants a particular brand can eliminate to ensure it’s the correct decision for the water.
- Infrared filters – These filters utilize light and heat to make hard water softer, which benefits households with hard water. While it can eliminate bacteria, it is not the best choice for removing other impurities.
- Activated carbon – Carbon filters can trap pollutants, blocking them from moving through the filter. Activated carbon fiber filters from coconut shells are especially effective at reducing pesticides and lead, but they can also take out iron and bacteria.
- Reverse osmosis – Reverse osmosis works by applying pressure to a semipermeable membrane, which blocks the passage of heavy metals and fluoride. However, it is not efficient for eliminating pesticides and other organic pollutants.
- UV filters – A UV lamp is the most reliable way to eliminate bacteria but it cannot stop other pollutants in drinking water.
Certain systems make it possible to deploy several filters to block out impurities. For instance, UV filtering can eliminate bacteria from the water. If contaminants like organic chemicals or lead are present, an activated carbon filter should be added.
Filters can be employed in several steps to remove pollutants from water that are safe for drinking. For instance, the first stage could take out sediment, and the fourth phase could eliminate organic substances. Numerous setups can include a UV light source to destroy microorganisms.
Flow Rate
When discussing a water filtration system, it is essential to consider the flow rate, which is the quantity of water that can be filtered and prepared for use at any given moment. This rate is normally specified in gallons per minute (GPM).
Different whole-house filtration systems may have different flow rates, with some ranging from 7 to 15 or 20 gallons per minute. When selecting the most suitable well water filtration system, it is essential to consider the amount of water flows a home requires.
You can determine the water rate running through home pipes by collecting the water from a specific faucet and measuring it. To do this, capture the full-force water from the faucet for 10 seconds in a container and then multiply the number of gallons you have collected by six to work out the gallons per minute from that fixture.
The GPM (gallons per minute) rate of water flow for a residence is typically between 6 and 12, according to the size of the house and the number of occupants. Nevertheless, it can also depend on an individual’s preference, based on the speed at which they wish the filtered water to be available.
NSF Certification
If a water filtration product has the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification, it guarantees that it functions as the manufacturer has advertised.
Suppose a water filtration system certified by the National Science Foundation (NSF) claims to reduce iron levels to three parts per million (ppm).
Not all filtration systems have NSF certification. The items that are NSF-certified are produced with components that do not add additional pollutants to the water, for instance, plastics that contain bisphenol A (BPA). This man-made chemical links to endocrine disruption in humans.
Water Contaminants
Various filtration techniques help get rid of pollutants in drinking water. Some remove heavy metals, while others are more effective in eradicating bacteria. Before you purchase a water filtration system for your residence, it is essential to identify what pollutants are present.
Here are the common contaminants in well water:
- Nitrate – Nitrate content in groundwater is usually harmless, but if there are high levels, it can create problems. Excessive nitrate intake can lead to headaches, nausea, and a heightened risk of cancer.
- Organic chemicals – A variety of toxic materials, for example, pesticides, drugs, paints, colors, and sanitizers, can pollute groundwater. These organic chemicals can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous and reproductive systems.
- Iron – Iron pipes used in plumbing systems can cause water to become contaminated as it enters the home. It is also possible for iron to be present in the water due to its natural occurrence in the soil. Generally, low amounts of iron will not have an adverse effect. However, high concentrations can cause concern, leading to organ damage, acne, exhaustion, and joint aches.
- Sulfur – Excessive sulfur in drinking water is not necessarily hazardous, yet many people find the smell of sulfur unpleasant and reminiscent of rotten eggs.
- Microorganisms – Many houses have well water containing coliform bacteria and E. Coli, which can be harmless in small amounts. However, there are large amounts of bacteria present. In that case, it may result in illnesses and even death, so take safety measures like filtration to reduce the bacteria levels.
- Heavy metals – Metals like copper, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium can be present. Although small amounts of these elements generally don’t create a problem, a significant build-up of heavy metals can lead to health issues, including a heightened chance of developing cancer if ingested over a long period.
- Fluoride – Fluoride is regularly put into public water sources to help battle cavities. However, it can also taint private wells, and excessive fluoride in the body can be damaging, causing sickness, vomiting, convulsions, and fluorosis of the bones.
- Sediment – Naturally, the filter should eliminate small particles like sand & soil in groundwater to ensure the water is sanitary and reduce damage to machines.
Filter Size
The size of water filtration systems can vary, which will influence the placement of the device in residence (e.g., under a kitchen sink) and the amount of water it can process in one go.
The height of some water purification systems exceeds 50 inches, and some measure less than 30 inches. The filter size also affects how many gallons of water the system can clean before it must be replaced. Certain brands have a designated time limit for when the filter needs to be switched out.
Generally speaking, it is necessary to replace water filters regularly. Some require a replacement every 3 months, while others may only need to be swapped out every 9 months or yearly.
The effectiveness of a filter is contingent upon the kind of filter, the amount of water it can process, and the number of unwanted substances that need removal.
Built-In Water Softener
Certain home water purification systems come with an integrated water softener feature. This type of system is suitable for residences with hard water with a high concentration of minerals, like calcium and magnesium, that can cause damage to plumbing and appliances if left unchecked.
Filtration units can use either a salt-driven or salt-free system to make the water gently. Home water filtration systems with built-in water softeners often use salt-free water treatment techniques. These systems do not eliminate the minerals from the water but soften it to stop mineral accumulation.
Installation
Certain filtration systems designed to service an entire house are simpler to install than other systems. In some cases, users can install them on their own, while hiring a professional is necessary for different situations. Some filtration systems also come with a kit to help simplify the installation process.
If you lack knowledge in plumbing, other systems will advise you to hire an expert to install the filtration system.
The comfort of setting up a well water filtration system is certainly something to take into account, but it is not necessarily the only thing to consider. What matters more is that the filtration system can effectively remove the pollutants present in the water.
Best Filter For Well Water
1. iSpring 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration
SPECIFICATIONS
- Designed for iron and manganese removal
- 100000 gallons capacity
- Polypropylene material
- Top-notch quality
- DIY installation and maintenance
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Fabulous performance + Easy to install/Maintain + Great customer service + Makes well water right + Quality system + Clean water | – Not durable |
This whole-house water filtration system has a three-step procedure for removing large particles, such as heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, iron, and sediment. In addition, it comes with an activated carbon filter for additional purification.
You should replace the filter after using 100,000 gallons of water, usually once a year for a family of four.
This system is created with a DIY setup in mind and offers a maximum of 15 GPM of water current. It is more compact than some other whole-house systems, allowing it to take a position in less accessible areas of the house.
This system is an economical selection for eliminating organic toxins, iron, and sediment from well water. However, it is not structured to sift out bacteria and has no built-in water softener.
Reviews from customers
Glen D said, “iSpring 3-Stage filter seems to be well made, and was pretty easy to install using pex pipe and Sharkbite fittings. It cleaned up my well water very well! I’m delighted with the whole experience.”
Holly Hill said, “Our water filter system made a huge difference immediately! Water and ice taste better, and shower doors and faucets clean easily. Thanks to Nick for helping us set everything up as we needed.”
2. PENTAIR Whole House Water Treatment and Disinfection
SPECIFICATIONS
- Kills bacteria, viruses and other pathogens
- Uses environmentally-friendly UV light
- Stainless steel exterior resists rust and corrosion
- 34 GPM peak flow rate, 14 GPM at 40mJ/cm 2
- Does not affect the taste, color, or odor of the water
- Fast-acting and produces no disinfection by-products
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Very compact with lots of GPM output + Easy to install + Clean water | – Minor issues |
The PENTAIR Ultraviolet Water Treatment and Disinfection System provides a flow rate ranging from 14 to 34 GPM and can eliminate various viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms found in groundwater. This system has an effectiveness rate of 99.9%, including E. Coli, and the treatment procedure generates zero byproducts that may impair the smell or taste of your water.
It is essential to clean the UV lamp regularly and to replace it from time to time. The system has a visual notification informing users when to switch out the lamp.
You can avoid this system if the water contains iron or sulfur since these impurities prevent the UV light from eliminating bacteria. Nonetheless, this system is NSF certified.
Reviews from customers
Yves Auger said, “Very easy to install. Did the job, water was tested very good shortly after the installation and pipe disinfection.”
Richard M. said, “The UV 14 saved us a TON of financing interest, and well water is bacteria-free in quick fix time!
3. Home Master Whole House Water Filtration System
SPECIFICATIONS
- Removes 95% of iron, manganese, sediment, chemicals, and other contaminants
- Oversize filters improve flow rate & reduce maintenance frequency
- Massive filter housings with 1-inch ports
- Great for well water and city water
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Amazing hard water results + Clean water from the tap + Great customer service + High-quality product + Worth every penny | – Not durable |
Home Master system utilizes a three-stage filtration process to eliminate up to 95% of iron, manganese, sediment, and additional impurities from well water. With a flow rate of 15 GPM, it utilizes a carbon filter to ensure that all pollutants are out of the water.
This system comes with a multi-layered sediment filter that prevents small sediment particles from getting into the water. It is compact.
This system has a multi-gradient density sediment filter, which works to stop sediment particles from getting into the water. It is an ideal size for a DIY installation project, or you can take professional help.
Reviews from customers
Marti is happy with the purchase of the Home Master filter. He said, “Hydrogen sulfide smell in water was awful. It also had fine particles and iron. All of that is gone now. No more filtering cloudy water to make it clear and drinkable. Have great tasting water right out of the faucet.”
Vicki Sanders said, “All the new fixtures are stain free. The water has no odor and tastes great. That makes me confident that the washing machine will clean the clothes much better once we get a new one hooked up.”
4. Express Water 3 Stage Water Filtration
SPECIFICATIONS
- Reduce harmful impurities and dangerous heavy metals
- Sediment, KDF, Activated carbon block purification
- Long-term durability and quality
- Stainless steel material
- 0.25 gallons capacity
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Great for those on well water + Easy install with some basic plumbing skills + Overall good quality filter + Deep well filtration system + Great-tasting water | – Not durable |
This water purification system removes up to 80 pollutants from well water, including heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, sediment, bacteria, iron, and organic compounds. It works in three stages.
The first stage of filtration utilizes a microfiber sediment filter. A carbon filter is employed at stage two to remove lead, sulfur, iron, bacteria, and other contaminants. The third stage has an additional carbon filter to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other organic compounds.
This system has the capability of delivering 0.25 gallons of water each second, which is equal to 15 GPM. The filter needs to be swapped out after processing 100,000 gallons of water, with the frequency of changing it from 6 to 12 months based on the quantity of water consumed.
This is the ideal choice due to its rate, how many pollutants it eliminates, and the amount of water going through it.
Reviews from customers
P. Morrow said, “My whole house system was installed about a month ago. The water no longer smells of chlorine or sulfur, and for the first time in years, the water tastes great. No more hauling in jugs of filtered water! No more worry about iffy water for bathing, washing dishes, etc. I highly recommend it.”
Mike Coleman said, “Our water cleared up immediately. The bad smell was gone within a couple of hours. The water is good with no bad taste. The unit was really easy to install. Thus far, I have absolutely no complaints.”
5. Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System
SPECIFICATIONS
- Activated Carbon, Sedimentation purification
- 11.8 gallons per minute (maximum flow rate)
- 90 Degrees Fahrenheit upper-temperature rating
- Top-grade install kit & components
- High-performance filter system
- Cost efficient & long-lasting
- 600000 gallons capacity
- Easy maintenance
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Amazing system to clean terrible water + Fantastic water filtration + Outstanding tech support + Great customer service + Water tastes great | – Expensive |
Aquasana’s whole-home water filtration system eliminates pesticide, chlorine, and heavy metal residues from the water supply. It includes a salt-free water softener that is ideal for dealing with hard water. The system is effective for up to 1,000,000 gallons of water or 10 years, whichever period finishes first.
The filtration system is ideal for trapping heavy metals, sediment, and organic pollutants since it has an activated carbon filter. However, it is not appropriate for dealing with well water tainted with bacteria.
It is advisable to substitute the filter every 3 months for peak performance, which is more often than some other water filters advise. Additionally, it delivers 7 GPM of water flow, which could suit some households, but not enough for others.
Reviews from customers
Mark said, “Great filter. Great taste. Did not lose much water pressure. Overall, I would purchase this unit again, and the second install would go smoother knowing what I know now. The filtered water tastes great, and I already notice a difference in the texture of my hair after a shower.”
Thomas Brown said, “I was happy with this kit. You’ll need a few more shark bites to connect to your existing plumbing, but other than that, the kit is complete. Don’t forget PVC glue and pipe tape!”
6. APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series
SPECIFICATIONS
- 2000 ppm maximum total dissolved solids
- 100% lead-free designer faucet
- 40-85 psi feed water pressure
- Reverse osmosis purification
- Assembled in the USA
- Apec material
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Fantastic water quality + Special installation with unusual adaptations + Great product and technical support + Excellent RO unit + Easy setup + Good value | – Slow water flow |
APEC Water systems provide a five-stage filtration process for treating well water and making it safe for consumption & culinary purposes.
A thin-film composite reverse osmosis membrane with various media types will eliminate 99% of numerous contaminants, like chlorine, volatile organic compounds, lead, fluoride, arsenic, microbial pollutants, and general total dissolved solids. This will also have a noticeable impact on the water’s aesthetics.
The filtration and flow rates are ample enough to accommodate small and larger households without long delays.
The proportion of recovered water to the amount lost is 1:3, which is typical for all domestic reverse osmosis systems.
Reviews from customers
PAUL D., a resident of the United States, said, “This Reverse Osmosis unit is the best way to save money. Bottled water has gotten SO expensive, and this RO unit will pay for itself in a couple of months. It was easy to install, and the water tastes great.”
Joy Davis said, “My plumber installed the RO in forty minutes. The water tastes great. I love the fact the filters only have to be changed yearly. The water pressure from the included faucet is perfect.”
7. AFWFilters Iron Pro Water Softener Iron Filter
SPECIFICATIONS
- Fine mesh resin for high iron removal & long life
- Comes complete with a brine tank, DIY instructions, bypass valve
- Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve for efficiency
- 64,000-grain capacity
TODAY’S BEST DEALS
| PROS | CONS |
| + Filters water beyond expectations + Good unit with excess capacity + Relatively straightforward install + Excellent quality and value + Fabulous product | – Minor issues |
This unit can treat water for the entire house and eliminate iron concentrations as high as 8 ppm. In addition, it can also eradicate manganese, sediment, and rust particles, and at the same time, it can eliminate the odor of sulfur from drinking water.
The in-house water softening system is perfect for homes with hard water and considerable iron in their groundwater supply. It has a resin filter that is more enduring than carbon filters and supplies more water flow.
This system comes with a digital display that will show when it’s necessary to add more salt. It is designed for easy setup by the user.
Reviews from customers
Joe said, “AFWFilters arrived quickly, about a week before it was supposed to. It was fairly easy to install if you bought the flexible connections. The setup was simple. There are awesome videos to set it up. Just search the web. It does not use as much salt as some people have suggested.”
Kevin C. Holloway said, “I have used it for a few months, and it does a great job clearing the water of unwanted minerals. It was easy to install. The video I watched helped a lot.”
My Verdict
If you are looking for a cost-effective 3-stage filtration system for your entire house, Express Water has a great choice that uses three pressurized filters that are straightforward to replace when required.
If customers want to eliminate the mineral deposits and calcium carbonate accumulation from hard water, this whole-home filter from Aquasana is an exceptional selection.
How I Chose The Best Filter For Well Water
When constructing my list of suggestions, I looked at the most widespread difficulties well-water homeowners confront and then studied my best selections in several categories.
My compilation has the ideal alternatives for shoppers who wish to get rid of bacteria, iron, sediment, and hardness from their water, as well as complete three-stage filtration systems that can solve every issue with a single unit.
When selecting a filtration system, the flow rate is essential. I ensured that all of my suggestions had at least 7 gallons per minute to ensure the water ran smoothly. It’s also imperative that the filter has a long lifespan since no one wants to keep replacing them frequently.
Consequently, the products I highly recommend all come with high-grade filters that will remain efficient for 3 months to one year. Furthermore, some of my top picks last up to 10 years.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) On The Best Filter For Well Water
1. What type of water filter is best for well water?
A Reverse Osmosis water filter is best for well water. A reverse osmosis water filtration process involves several steps that produce clean and delicious water from a well. This procedure involves using a sediment filter, a deionization component, and a carbon filter to remove impurities in well water.
2. What is the best way to filter well water for drinking?
Install a point-of-entry filter system (at the entrance of your water pipe into your home) or a whole-house filter system to eliminate VOCs. They can provide clean and safe water for bathing, cleaning, cooking, and drinking. Activated carbon filters can also be used to remove some of the VOCs.
3. Should well water be filtered?
Building your private well requires filtering and water purification to guarantee drinkability. Since groundwater is at risk of being polluted, drinking unfiltered water from a well can be dangerous. Consuming it could result in illness. So, it’s essential to filter well water.
4. Do water filters work on well water?
It can be hard to understand the contents of your water at any point, so it is essential to employ a water filtration system, whether from a well or a city water supply. Water filtration systems not only improve the taste and look of the water but also eliminate invisible toxins and pollutants.
5. What Micron filter is best for well water?
If you want to reduce the workload of your water treatment systems, such as whole house filters and water softeners, I recommend using a filter with a micron rating between 50 and 100. Pre-filters for ultraviolet purification units should have a micron rating between 5 and 10, depending on the particle’s size.
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Summary: Best Filter For Well Water
When looking for the best water filtration system for well water, you need to ensure that it is certified by an organization such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Before you purchase a water filter, it is also essential to test the liquid to determine what pollutants are in it, if any, and how many of them are present. This will help you decide if contaminants are adequate to necessitate filtration.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions no matter what type of whole-house water filtration system you choose. If you are unsure about the right approach, consult a qualified water professional who can help you decide on the best solution for your situation.
