Do You Have Well Water?

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Most homes in the United States obtain their water from the local water department. When your water is provided by the city, water is treated at a plant and pumped to your home in underground piping that may have been installed many decades ago. Homeowners that live far from the nearest municipality often choose to install a well near their home and source their water directly from a private well.

Well water is more common than many homeowners realize. Currently, more than 15 million households nationwide rely on well water. You will most likely know if you have a private well or if your water comes from the city. However, if you’re unsure what kind of water (well water or “city” water) is used in your home, ask yourself these questions.

 

Is your address within the city limits?

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If you reside within a city chances are your water comes from the local water department. If you live in a rural area it is possible that your water comes from a well, but most piping from city municipalities is far-reaching.

 

Do you pay a water bill?

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When your water is pumped from the local water department, you will regularly pay a water bill, perhaps once a month, to that organization. Homeowners that utilize private wells do not pay the city, but instead pay out of pocket for the maintenance, testing, and upkeep of their private well.

 

Can you spot a well pump in your yard, or is there a pressure tank near or in your home?

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These are clear indicators that you are utilizing well water, as the water must be periodically pumped. The pressure tank helps optimize water flow and is a crucial component of a well water system.

If you still aren’t sure what type of water is in your home, call your local water department and provide your home address. They will be able to tell you if your home receives water from the city.

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What's in Well Water?

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Private wells are not typically covered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is responsible for protecting and regulating public drinking water systems. Thus, it is the well owner’s responsibility to regularly test well water and maintain its cleanliness. 

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Where does the water in a well actually come from? 

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Ground Water

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What contaminants could make their way into the well water?

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The water supply for all private wells is ground water. Ground water starts as rain: when rain hits the ground, it moves through the pores between the dirt and the rock. Water that isn’t absorbed by plants continues downward until it hits a layer of dense rock, and it becomes trapped. Water accumulates here, and is known as ground water. Another term associated with this kind of water is “aquifer,” as in “ground water aquifer.”

Because this water is found in nature, there are many natural occurrences that can affect the water quality of water found in a well. Many private well owners choose wells because they can monitor their water quality firsthand, and eliminate the possibility of contamination via poor plumbing. But other factors can cause contaminants to find their way into well water.

Seepage and subsequent infection can come from any of these sources:

 

Fertilizers * Pesticides * Underground Fuel tanks * Failed Septic tanks * Landfills * Runoff

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When flooding occurs, the water that gets into your well can bring a host of various contaminants. A natural disaster need not occur for a contaminant to enter your well - if the well’s walls or sanitary seals have deteriorated, come loose, or been damaged in some way, you can also have a problem. These are just some of the contaminants that can be found in private wells:

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• Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Lead, Chromium, etc)

• Industrial Chemicals

• Animal Waste

• Microorganisms (Viruses, Bacteria, Parasites)

• Industrial Chemicals

• Radionuclides (Uranium, Radon, and Radium)

• Fluoride

• Nitrates and Nitrites from Fertilizer

• Pesticides

•  

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  Any private well owner concerned about the quality of their drinking water should test their water supply.

  How to Test Well Water

  In order to test your well water and check for any contaminants or abnormalities, you will need a proper well water testing kit. Ideally, you should use as comprehensive of a test as possible so you can check your water for a wide variety of chemicals, minerals, and contaminants. In addition to checking for contaminants, well water testing also examines the hardness of the water and checks for manganese, sulfides, and other indicators of potential health problems.

  To obtain a test, simply order one of our top-tier well water testing kits. Water Liquide Water Rapid 12-Point water test identifies the twelve most common contaminants present in private water sources, and is a good starting point for homeowners on a budget who want a clearer picture of their water quality. The WaterCheck 32 test is much more comprehensive: when you use this testing kit, you can pinpoint the exact problem. 
  Once a kit is shipped to your home, just follow the instructions provided in order to obtain a water sample from your well. Instructions on returning your sample to the appropriate lab are included, along with complimentary shipping. Results of your well test are generally available within three to five business days.

   

  How Often Should Well Water Be Tested?

   

  As a general guideline, private well owners should have their wells tested at least once a year. However, based on the topography and weather patterns in your area, you may deem it necessary to test more often to ensure that contaminants aren’t present in your well water.

  If your well is older or if it is not properly maintained, you may notice that the seals have been punctured or have deteriorated. If any component of your well water system seems to have aged or become damaged, it’s wise to test your well water as soon as possible. Use your best judgment and get to know the functioning parts of your well water system so you can adequately assess each component periodically.

  There are multiple situations that call for immediate testing of your well water. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) advises that well owners should promptly test their water in any of these circumstance.

• 1- The taste, odor, or appearance of your water changes

• 2 - The septic system has malfunctioned or overflowed recently

• 3 - A flood occurs or if the well cap ruptures.

• 4 - Anyone living in the home reports instances of gastrointestinal distress.

  In addition, if your well has a history of bacterial infection you should test more often for contamination. With well water, it’s always better to be on the safe side.

 

How to Remove Rust From Well Water

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If your water is red or orange in color and turns cloudy, this is commonly referred to as having “rusty” water. The moniker makes sense - typically, this problem is caused by actual rust. You may start to notice brown, red, or orange stains on your sinks and bathtubs. Black stains or spots might appear on your laundry or kitchen utensils.

Luckily, this can be demystified and included with our previous entry. Rust is the natural byproduct of iron oxidizing, so, technically, rusty water is an indication of high iron content. When the iron content in your water is excessive, it will have more than just a metallic taste - it will change colors, cloud over, and cause staining on your appliances and plumbing. Iron in this high of a dosage can be toxic, and should be treated accordingly.

To reduce the rust color from your water, simply invest in the Iron & Manganese Water Filter. The system utilizes the latest technology designed to give you quality iron free water with the least amount of maintenance. For well water users with rust-colored water, this filtration system is the easiest and fastest solution.

 

 

How to Remove Coliform Bacteria From Well Water

 

No one wants to hear that bacteria has found its way into their private water supply. There are many ways that harmful bacteria can infect your well. If you live near a farm or agricultural center, the runoff from their site can contain the unwanted bacteria like E. Coli, which then seeps into your well. In addition, if you have a septic tank that is leaking or ruptured, your sewage can also contaminate your well water.

Coliform bacteria in your drinking water is a serious issue, and can cause severe health problems rapidly. If you notice an upswing in gastrointestinal distress among your family members, the culprit may be coliform bacteria. Unfortunately, even our most powerful filters, like our 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis system, cannot eliminate all of the bacteria in your water.

 

The best bet to keep your family safe from illness and further health problems is to invest in a Whole House Filter With UV. UV treatment destroys an astonishing 99.9% of bacteria and other microorganisms in your drinking water without the taste, color, or odor of your water. Coliform bacteria, E. Coli, cryptosporidium, and other organisms will no longer pose a threat to your family’s health.

 

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What's the Best Water Filter for Well Water?

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As demonstrated by the breakdowns above, there is no one-size-fits-all water filter system that every homeowner should install. The specific contaminants in your water, and the conditions and terrain around your well, should determine the water filter that you ultimately choose. You can install multiple water filtration systems for an exhaustive and complete line of protection against the most common contaminants present in well water.

In addition to the common issues addressed above, there are certain filter options that directly target contaminants that are common in wells. If your water has turned a yellowish hue, and you notice that your clothing and plumbing has begun to stain, your water may be contaminated with tannins. Tannins are more common in coastal and swampy areas, where decaying vegetation can leach into your well water. A Tannin Removal water filter will eliminate this nuisance that is associated with high turbidity.

Some of the other contaminants many owners of private wells contend with are nitrates, especially homeowners who live near farms or livestock. Recent flooding can also lead to nitrates invading a well water system. In excess levels nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby” disease. In order to reduce nitrates from your well water, install a Nitrate Reduction water filter.

If you’re still having trouble deciding what well water treatment system is right for you, visit our well water page and read our comprehensive list to find the best option to provide your home with clean, pure water.

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What's the Best Softener for Well Water?

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Hard water is a frustrating problem that countless well water users experience. High levels of dissolved magnesium or calcium in your well water can cause, among other problems:

• Dry skin and flaky hair

• Low water pressure due to mineral accumulation in clogged pipes

• Scale buildup on faucets and in water based appliances

• Spots and white residue on dishes and in dishwashers

• Stained sinks and bathtubs

  Hard water’s damaging effect on plumbing, appliances, and clothes becomes expensive over time. Scale build up makes appliances less effective, shortening their lifespan and requiring more power to run. Clothes need replacing more often, and scale buildup on faucets and sinks is unsightly. While not considered a serious risk to health, hard water damages and prematurely ages skin and hair. In order to reduce the hardness of your well water, you need to invest in a water softener to complement your water filtration system.

   

  A Water Softener in combination with a UV Filter system of Iron and Manganese filter is the perfect joint solution for hard water from your well. The salt-free water softener is 99.6% effective in preventing scale buildup. Our system generates zero waste water, and leaves you with softer, healthier skin and hair.

   

  Improve the overall quality of your well water by installing a water softener, but don’t stop there. Often, utilizing multiple filter systems is necessary to deliver the safest and cleanest water. If you decide to treat your water with a softener, installing a UV filter or iron and manganese filter will allow contaminants to be removed from your well water as well. The Water Liquide Filter with pro UV treats your water with both technologies so you can drink your tap water and take a shower knowing you’re fully protected.

   

  Water Softener

  What is a Water Softener?How Do Water Softeners Work?Benefits of Water SoftenersChoosing the Right Water Softener SystemHow to Install a Water SoftenerHow Much Maintenance Does a Water Softener Need?

   

  What is a Water Softener?

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Water softeners are systems designed to treat and reduce “hard water.” These systems implement a method of exchanging or negating ions of common minerals to eradicate scale buildup and/or reduce the overall mineral count in your water.

If you’ve ever noticed scale buildup in your sinks, faucets, or showers, you’ve witnessed the negative side effects of hard water firsthand. To fully understand the mechanics of water softening you must also have a knowledge of hard water and its composition.

Hard Water

 

Water is the world's universal solvent. Its ability to dissolve rock and sediment has created some of the world's most stunning sights, like the Grand Canyon. The result of dissolving rock and limestone is the introduction of high concentrations of calcium and magnesium into the water, which creates “hard water.” Hard water is simply water containing a high mineral count.

The amount of calcium and magnesium in the water varies based on the amount needed to balance that water. As the water evaporates the concentration of minerals grows and results in water that forms scale buildup. This is called “saturation”.

How much mineral content in your water is “too much?” While contaminants like lead or arsenic are immediate causes for concern, low amounts of magnesium and calcium are supplementary to a healthy diet. Once your water is leaving scale deposits, however, your water may be too “hard.” Without proper prevention methods or treatment your pipes can become encrusted and blocked due to calcification. When calcium deposits accumulate in your pipes you will experience any of the following: a clogged showerhead, tepid water, slow drainage, and low water pressure.

In addition, hard water can be potentially disastrous for your hot water heater. Deposits can build on the bottom of your water heater over time, thereby driving up your costs, limiting the water heater’s efficiency, and lowering its capacity.

Scale Buildup

 

Scale buildup on your plumbing fixtures is the direct result of too much calcium and magnesium being present in your water.

Scale can have an adverse effect on many appliances in the home including the dishwasher, water heater, fridge, sink faucets and shower heads. Scale buildup will clog these items or cause damage to o-rings and valves that result in costly repairs.

The high temperature in your water heater causes scale to form quicker and can result in your heating element burning out much faster than normal. Water hardness can also interfere with your detergents and form soap scum.

 

 

How Do Water Softeners Work?

 

Depending on the type of water softener the chemistry can function in two distinct ways. Most water softeners can be separated into two types: salt-based water softeners and salt-free water softeners. Salt-free water softeners are preferred due to its multiple benefits and it’s nearly non-existent environmental impact compared to salt-based softeners.

Before we examine the benefits, though, let’s see how these systems work:

Salt-Based Water Softeners

 

Salt-based water softeners remove calcium and magnesium ions from the affected hard water by essentially replacing these ions with sodium ions, hence why we consider them “salt-based.” Within the resin tank of salt-based water softeners an ion exchange occurs, reduced the mineral count (and therefore the hardness) while increasing the overall salt content of the water.

Over time the ion-exchange process will cause hardness minerals to accumulate in the conditioning tank of the unit. These minerals must be flushed down the wastewater drain in the form of salt brine, reintroducing these minerals into the water supply in concentrated doses. Salt-based water softeners require upkeep when they are used - the salt within the system must be regenerated at regular intervals.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Salt-Based Water Softeners

Benefits of using a salt-based water softener:

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Salt-based water softeners effectively remove “hardness” ions like magnesium and calcium from your drinking water.

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These softeners eliminate most scale buildup in your home, reducing spotting and scaling. This saves you money on appliance repair, plumbing repair, and detergent that is rendered less effective by hard water.

3

Salt-based water softeners give your water a “slick” feel, which may be desirable based on your preferences.

However, there are many drawbacks to salt-based softeners:

1

These types of softeners greatly increase the sodium content of your water, which is not ideal for long-term health.

2

Salt-based softeners are much more expensive to maintain and operate.

3

The discharge of concentrated salt brine from these systems has a negative impact on wastewater treatment.

4

Soft water that has been softened with these systems is more likely to leach heavy metals in your pipes.

Salt-Free Water Softeners/Conditioners

Salt-free water softeners are also called conditioners because they recondition the water instead of removing mineral ions. By forgoing the ion exchange process salt-free water softeners generate zero water waste, and require less maintenance than salt-based counterparts.

Pelican Natursoft Salt-Free Water Softeners treat water by taking varying amount of minerals from the solution through precipitation as well as reducing the water's surface tension, preventing scale buildup.

To get technical, The NaturSoft media present in our salt-free systems has calcium carbonate crystal structures on its surface that will attract excess dissolved hardness and remove it from solution by integrating it into the crystal structures on the media filter. They crystals on the media surface grow larger, and the movement and friction in the water will cause fragments of these newly grown crystal structures to be fragmented off the media and released into the passing water.

Free flowing calcium carbonate crystals then continue to travel through a plumbing system as suspended particles where they buffer the effects of any changes in the scale potential of the water downstream. The crystals absorb excess minerals into their structure and spawn the creation of additional micro crystals.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Salt-Free Water Softeners

Salt-free water softeners have a more complicated scientific process at work, neutralizing the effects and reducing the amount of mineral ions while ensuring sodium and other particles aren’t added to the water. But what are the major benefits of water softeners? Why should you invest in a salt-free water softening system for your household?

1

Salt-free water softeners condition water without generating the “slippery” water feel present after water is treated with salt-based systems. This benefit really depends on your personal preferences. Some families do not acclimate to the slippery texture of water treated with ion exchange.

2

Salt-free water softeners generate no waste water whatsoever, making them a better choice for the environment. Salt-based water softeners create mineral-heavy wastewater that is discharged into the water supply.

3

Salt-free water softeners help you save money on your energy bill. Our systems use no electricity, so soft water can be enjoyed without increasing the electrical bill. Soft water also allows appliances to run more efficiently, as we’ve mentioned above, which can further decrease costs.

4

Our salt-free system is the only system on the market that has been certified 99.6% effective. WATER LIQUIDE NaturSoft Systems are the only third-party tested DW-9191 certified salt-free water softener with 99.6% prevention of scale buildup.

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Beneficial minerals are left intact in your drinking water, while the negative effects of hard water like scale buildup are avoided. This way you avoid increasing your sodium intake while still treating the core problems of having hard water.

However, some people view this last item as a drawback. Here’s why leaving those minerals in your water can be viewed negatively:

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Salt-free water softener/conditioners do not remove the magnesium and calcium ions from your water, but rather impede their ability to cause scale buildup and other problems. Thus, water that is left to dry on a surface will leave evaporative deposits behind. However these softener/conditioners render the hardness incapable of causing damage.

Choosing the Right Water Softener System

When you decide to treat the hard water in your home you must still make many decisions to equip your home with the best water softener system. The first decision is whether to go with a traditional salt-based softener system or to choose an alternative.

There are many types of water softener systems that do not use salt or an ion exchange process. Water Softener Facts lists many alternatives to salt-based systems, including:

Electrically induced precipitation

Electromagnetic water treatment

Capacitive Deionization (CD)

Template Assisted Crystalization (TAC) or Nucleation Assisted Crystalization (NAC)

The WATER LIQUIDE NaturSoft Salt-Free Softener uses Template Induced Crystallization media, or T.I.C. media. This is another name for the Template Assisted Crystallization (TAC) softener referenced on Water Softener Facts. According to that site, “the advantage to NAC/TAC units comes largely in reduced care and maintenance as the media only needs to be replaced about every four years. There are also environmental benefits from using less water, salt and energy, and health benefits for those without hard water taps for drinking.”

It’s clear that a salt-free system carries many benefits. But how do you choose the right system from WATER LIQUIDE?

Best Types of Salt-Free Water Softeners

WATER LIQUIDE sells multiple types and sizes of salt-free water softeners.

 

The WATER LIQUIDE NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener is our flagship product that conditions your home water while providing all of the amazing benefits listed above. This type of water softener is available in multiple sizes depending on the amount of bathrooms you have in your home. This softener is only intended to treat water hardness, and does not filter out other contaminants. Certified at 99.6% for scale prevention, the NaturSoft softener is the premium maintenance-free water softener available, complete with an industry-leading lifetime warranty.

 

Water Liquide Water Softener and Filter Combination Systems equip your home with titlet complete salt-free hard water treatment capabilities while also protecting your home from bacteria and common contaminants with carbon and sediment filters. Free shipping comes standard on our most comprehensive family of products that provide fresher, cleaner drinking water. Compare our Basic, UV, and Pro UV systems to learn more.

 

TheEZ-Connect Compact Water Filter and Softener Combination System provides the outstanding benefits of our NaturSoft salt-free water softening while also filtering out chloramine, chlorine, and other unwanted contaminants. The EZ-Connect series of products is specifically designed to fit easily in small dwellings, including apartments, cottages, RVs, and even boats. Simply install under your kitchen sink.

Consider your options, and call a WATER LIQUIDE professional if you can’t decide which model would best serve your home.

What Size Water Softener Do I Need?

If you decide to purchase a water softener you’re not finished - all of our models are available in different sizes that can handle different capacities of minerals per day. Many homeowners ask: what size water softener do they need? Choosing the right size water softener is important - you don’t want to purchase a water softener that is insufficient for your specific water hardness, but you don’t want to pay for a softener with unnecessary capacity.

To understand how to go about sizing a water softener, it’s important to realize the size of the unit is not as important as the unit’s ability to remove the minerals causing water hardness. When people talk about water softener size, this is what they’re actually concerned with, rather than the cubic footage of the system.

 

Calculating Your Usage

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The trick is just performing a quick calculation. First, you’ll need to know how much water your household consumes. The EPA estimates the average American uses between 80 to 100 gallons of water a day. As an example let’s assume a family of four uses 90 gallons a day per person. That gives the household a total water consumption of 360 gallons a day.

Then, you’ll need to know the approximate level of dissolved minerals in your water. WATER LIQUIDE’s 12-point water test mentioned above will give you a measure of dissolved minerals as grains per gallon, or gpg. As an example, let’s say your test measures 10 gpg. Now you’ve got all the data you need to make determine your water softening sizing.

Simply calculate your total household water use by the gpg in your water. In our example, 360 gallons multiplied by 10 gpg equals 3,600 gpg. That’s the amount of hard minerals your water softener needs to remove every day, and that’s the measure you should use to choose your water softener “size.”

WATER LIQUIDE softener systems are sold in multiple sizes, and these sizes are named with approximate calculations based on the amount of water usage in your home. For example, smaller units are listed as “1-3 Bathrooms” while larger units are termed “4-6 Bathrooms.” However, you should contact a WATER LIQUIDE professional and calculate the amount of minerals you need treated each day to spend wisely.

 

Water Softener grains

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As we just discussed, water hardness is measured in a quantity known as “grains per gallon.” Water that contains dissolved hardness minerals above 1 gpg is technically considered hard water.

Water hardness is typically measured in grains per gallon, but some laboratories use milligrams per liter, or parts per million. If you’re purchasing a water softener or just trying to educate yourself regarding water hardness, you may be asking yourself: what exactly is a grain, and how much mineral content is really in water with 1 grain per gallon? To understand water softener grain measurements it’s helpful to compare the unit to a more standard measurement, parts per million.

One part per million (ppm) is precisely what it sounds like: one unit out of one million units. Grains, or grains per gallon (gpg) is a weight measurement taken from the Egyptians: one dry grain of wheat, or about 1/7000 of a pound. For a quick comparison, 17.1 ppm equals 1 gpg. If measured in parts per million or milligrams per liter, simply divide the hardness measurement by 17.1 to get hardness in grains per gallon. For example, if your water test reads 250 mg/l hardness, your hardness in grains is 14.62 gpg. Converting to grains per gallon helps homeowners who are shopping for water softeners to better understand their water hardness and to more confidently shop for the appropriate softener. Nearly all water softeners express their efficiency in gpg.

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How to Install a Water Softener

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Installing a water softener has never been easier than with WATER LIQUIDE’s NaturSoft system or our EZ-Connect Compact Softener/Filter Combos. Each product comes with a highly detailed user’s manual that shows step-by-step instructions for homeowners who are ready to install their water softener systems.

No matter what water softener you purchase, you must turn off the water main and drain the remaining water in your system before beginning installation to avoid leaks and other potential issues. For our more comprehensive systems you may have to cut your pipes where you install the system, most likely in your basement. If you are not comfortable with plumbing and other fixtures you can hire a professional to install your system in just a couple of hours, or you can purchase an installation kitto make the process hassle-free.

When you purchase a NaturSoft Salt-Free Water Softener you will first need to assemble and install the sediment filter. Then, you will install the softener/conditioner tank, and finally use the bypass valve to soak the media before you begin using the system. For more detailed instructions, read the owner’s manual here.

If you live in an apartment, RV, condo, boat, or other compact living space you may go with the EZ-Connect Softener and Filter instead. As this system is compactly designed it’s also easier to install. Once you mount the bracket you’ll simply insert your plumbing into the inlet and outlet, then insert the cartridges to their corresponding chambers. For complete installation instructions read the owner’s manual here.

How Much Maintenance Does a Water Softener Need?

The amount of maintenance required for a water softener greatly varies depending on your decision to purchase a salt-based softener or a salt-free softener. Salt-based water softeners utilize electricity, generate brine that must be discharged, and require monthly maintenance to replenish the salt ions within the system.

Salt-free softeners, on the other hand, are virtually maintenance-free. There are no salt ions or other chemicals used in the salt-free conditioning process, and there is also no expenditure of electricity. Since ions are not swapped out within your water supply there is no waste water that accumulates or that is discharged back into the water supply. Due to the way a salt-free softener functions you will not need to perform regular maintenance on the unit itself.

Depending on which salt-free water softener you purchase from WATER LIQUIDE, only certain cartridges and filters will need to be replaced. If you go with a NaturSoft salt-free water softener, you should replace the sediment pre-filter every six to nine months. If you choose the EZ-Connect compact softener and filter you will need to replace the filter every six months.

Other than occasional filter replacement your unit will need no ongoing maintenance. In addition, WATER LIQUIDE softeners come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. To save money long-term and reduce environmental impact the only choice is WATER LIQUIDE.