How to Treat Well Water: Complete Guide to Treatment Systems
Well water treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. The right system depends entirely on what's in your water — which is why testing comes first, treatment comes second. This guide covers every common treatment system, what it fixes, what it costs, and how much maintenance to expect.
Treatment Systems at a Glance
| System | Treats | Install Cost | Annual Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water softener | Hard water, scale | $1,000 – $3,000 | $100 – $200 (salt) |
| Iron/manganese filter | Orange staining, metallic taste | $800 – $2,500 | $50 – $150 |
| UV purification | Bacteria, viruses | $500 – $1,500 | $50 – $100 (bulb) |
| Reverse osmosis (POU) | Most contaminants | $200 – $600 | $50 – $100 (filters) |
| Reverse osmosis (whole house) | Most contaminants | $1,500 – $3,000 | $200 – $500 |
| Sediment filter | Sand, silt, particles | $50 – $200 | $20 – $50 (cartridge) |
| Acid neutralizer | Low pH, acidic water | $800 – $1,500 | $50 – $100 (media) |
Water Softeners ($1,000–$3,000)
Problem solved: Hard water — white scale buildup on fixtures, spots on dishes, dry skin and hair, reduced soap lathering.
Water softeners use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium with sodium. They're the most common whole-house treatment system and dramatically extend the life of water heaters, pipes, and appliances.
Maintenance: Add salt pellets every 1–2 months ($5–$10 per bag). The resin bed lasts 10–20 years before replacement.
Iron and Manganese Filters ($800–$2,500)
Problem solved: Orange/brown/black staining on fixtures, toilets, and laundry. Metallic taste. Clogged aerators and showerheads.
These filters use oxidizing media (greensand, birm, or catalytic carbon) to convert dissolved iron and manganese into particles that are trapped and flushed away during regeneration.
Maintenance: Media lasts 5–10 years. Some systems require potassium permanganate for regeneration ($50–$100/year).
UV Purification ($500–$1,500)
Problem solved: Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Essential if your water tests positive for coliform or E. coli.
UV systems expose water to ultraviolet light that destroys the DNA of bacteria and viruses, making them unable to reproduce. UV treatment adds no chemicals and doesn't change the taste of your water.
Important: UV only works on clear water. If your water is cloudy or has sediment, install a sediment filter before the UV unit.
Maintenance: Replace the UV bulb annually ($50–$80). Replace the quartz sleeve every 2–3 years ($30–$50).
Reverse Osmosis
Point-of-Use ($200–$600)
Installed under the kitchen sink with a dedicated faucet. Removes up to 99% of contaminants including arsenic, lead, nitrates, PFAS, fluoride, and more. Ideal for drinking and cooking water.
Maintenance: Replace pre-filters every 6–12 months ($30–$60). Replace RO membrane every 2–3 years ($30–$50).
Whole House ($1,500–$3,000)
Treats all water entering your home. More expensive and produces wastewater (2–4 gallons wasted per 1 gallon produced). Generally only recommended when contaminant levels are very high throughout the home.
Maintenance: Higher filter costs ($200–$500/year) and membrane replacement every 2–5 years.
Sediment Filters ($50–$200)
Problem solved: Sand, silt, rust particles, and cloudiness. Often the first line of defense installed before other treatment systems.
Available in cartridge-style (replace every 3–6 months) and backwashing designs (self-cleaning). Every well should have at minimum a sediment filter.
Maintenance: Replace cartridges every 3–6 months ($10–$25 each).
Acid Neutralizers ($800–$1,500)
Problem solved: Low pH (acidic water) that corrodes copper pipes, causes blue-green stains, and leaches metals like lead and copper into your water.
Acid neutralizers use calcite or calcite/corosex media to raise pH to a neutral level. They're essentially tanks of crusite limestone that dissolve slowly into the water.
Maintenance: Top off the media 1–2 times per year ($30–$60).
Whole-House vs. Point-of-Use: When to Use Each
| Use Case | Best Approach |
|---|---|
| Hard water, iron, or sediment | Whole-house |
| Bacteria or viruses | Whole-house UV |
| Arsenic, lead, or PFAS in drinking water | Point-of-use RO |
| General improvement of drinking water taste | Point-of-use carbon or RO |
| Low pH / acidic water | Whole-house neutralizer |
| Multiple issues | Combine whole-house + point-of-use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a water treatment system for my well?
Not necessarily. Many wells produce clean, safe water with no treatment needed. Get your water tested first — treat only what the test reveals. At minimum, every well should have a basic sediment filter.
Can I install a water treatment system myself?
Point-of-use systems (under-sink RO, faucet filters) are DIY-friendly. Whole-house systems typically require professional installation due to plumbing connections, drain lines, and electrical requirements. Budget $200–$500 for professional installation.
How much does it cost to maintain well water treatment systems per year?
Annual maintenance costs range from $50 for a simple sediment filter to $500+ for a whole-house RO system. Most homeowners spend $150–$300/year across all their treatment systems.
What order should treatment systems be installed in?
The general order is: sediment filter first → acid neutralizer → iron filter → water softener → UV disinfection → reverse osmosis. This protects downstream systems from damage and ensures each system works effectively.