Well Water Buyers Guide (Updated for 2025)
Posted by Bluonics Educations on
Many homes rely on wells to meet their water needs. According to the latest data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), more than 44 million people—about 14 percent of the U.S. population—depend on private domestic wells as their primary source of drinking water. However, the quality and safety of water from these domestic wells remain largely unregulated by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act or state laws. Individual homeowners bear the responsibility for maintaining their well systems and monitoring water quality.
New Contaminant Concerns in 2025: In addition to bacteria and synthetic chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), recent studies highlight the increasing presence of microplastics and manganese in well water. As awareness grows, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about the contaminants potentially affecting your well water.
This step-by-step guide will help you select the right filtration system, simplifying the process into an affordable DIY project.
Step 1: Determine Your Water Usage
Whole House
A whole house well water system provides clean, sanitized water for showers, bathrooms, appliances, and more. Modern systems are designed with multiple filtration methods to remove a wide variety of contaminants while maintaining high flow rates to meet household demands
RV/Mobile Home
Compact filtration systems are ideal for RVs and mobile homes, where space is a premium. Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems continue to be a top choice due to their small size and exceptional filtration capabilities.
Irrigation
Filtering well water for irrigation ensures that fruits and vegetables are safe for consumption. Bluonics has updated its Hydroponics Farming Guide to reflect new advancements in irrigation filtration systems.
Step 2: Identify the Issues with Your Water
|
Problem |
Solution |
|
Smell/Odor |
Carbon filtration |
|
Bacteria (Coliform) & Viruses |
Ultra Violet (UV) Sterilization |
|
Taste |
Carbon filtration |
|
Color |
Sediment filtration |
|
Chlorine |
Carbon filtration |
|
Particles |
Sediment filtration |
|
Cloudiness |
Sediment filtration |
|
Stain |
Sediment/Carbon filtration |
|
Microplastics (New) |
High-density sediment or RO filters |
|
Manganese (New) |
Oxidation followed by filtration |
Step 3: Learn About Different Types of Filtration Methods
Sediment Filters
Sediment filters, made from materials like yarn or polypropylene, are essential for capturing debris in well water. They are available in different micron sizes to handle various types of sediment:
- 20 and 5-micron filters: Great for larger particles like sand or dirt.
- 1-micron filters: Designed for finer sediment such as silt or microplastics.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters offer high adsorption capacity to remove chlorine, sulfur compounds, herbicides, and other solvents, resulting in odor-free, great-tasting water.
- Granulated Carbon Filters: Economical and effective for basic filtration.
- Solid Carbon Filters: Provide more efficient filtration with a longer lifespan.
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filtration
UV systems remain a top choice for eliminating 99.99% of microorganisms without leaving harmful by-products. UV bulbs now have an extended lifespan, requiring replacement only every 18 months.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
RO systems are unmatched for drinking water filtration, removing contaminants like nitrates, arsenic, fluoride, and PFAS. Advances in RO technology have improved energy efficiency and increased membrane lifespan by up to 30%.
Step 4: Choose Flow Rate According to the Size of Your Household
The capacity of the filtration system should match the demand of your household. Flow rate is measured in gallons per minute (GPM):
- 12 GPM flow rate recommended for small to medium households.
- 24 GPM flow rate recommended for larger households.
Most water filtration systems have a 1” inlet/outlet, which can be reduced to 3/4” if needed. Ensure you have a pressure regulator if your water pressure exceeds 80 PSI to prevent system damage.
Can I Drink Water from My Well?
To ensure safe drinking water, regular testing for microbial and chemical agents is essential. A robust filtration system with UV sterilization is recommended. Even with comprehensive filtration, a Reverse Osmosis system is highly advisable for drinking water. Another sterilization option is boiling water, though it only kills microorganisms and does not remove chemical contaminants.
New Tips for 2025: How to Save Money
- Use a sediment pre-filter: This extends the lifespan of your main filters by capturing bulk sediment.
- Opt for larger filters (20”): These have a longer lifespan than smaller filters (10”), reducing replacement frequency.
- Energy-Efficient UV Systems: Consider UV systems with auto-shutoff features to save on electricity.
Still Not Sure Which System to Pick?
Everybody’s water situation is unique. If you’re unsure which system is best for you, give us a call! We are committed to providing you with personalized consultation services at no cost.
Thank you for trusting Bluonics to help you find the perfect water filtration solution for your needs in 2025 and beyond!