Did you know that according to the EPA, approximately 15% of Americans rely on their own private drinking water supplies, such as well water? For those folks, they must take extra precaution to ensure the water they are drinking is safe and doesn’t carry any health risks for themselves or their families.

The EPA only has the authority to regulate public water systems, so private water is left to state and local governments to set rules to protect users of private wells. Public water systems have the benefit of experts regularly checking the source of the water and its quality before it reaches the tap. So if you have your own private well, it is essential to take special precaution to ensure the protection and maintenance of your drinking water supplies.

This is where well water filter technology comes in. Well water filters are one way to ensure the well water you’re drinking doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals and bacteria. In order to determine the right technology for you, there’s some important preliminary steps to take.

Testing the quality of your private drinking supply is an important first step. Have it thoroughly tested by a qualified water treatment engineer. Doing so will help to safeguard your family against pesticides, organic chemicals, and heavy metals before you drink it for the first time. Regular testing (annually or more often) is also important since you are responsible for the ongoing safety of the well water. You may also be subject to state and local regulations with its own set of requirements.

Next, look for a viable water treatment company offering different types of equipment to suit your specific needs. Remember, no two wells are the same and no single water treatment device will treat every type of well. The benefit of a well water filter is that it will take untreated water through multiple layers of filtration, reducing the levels of chlorine, volatile organics, THMs, off tastes and odors, sediment, suspended solids, iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell).

When purchasing your water treatment system, it is highly recommended to take the depth of your well into consideration as well as what type of industry is around you (dairy, farms, creeks, etc.). If it is shallow (less than 100 ft) or there are areas with livestock (nitrate contamination) it is recommended to use a device that can remedy any issues that may arise.

Installing a well water filter may seem daunting, but once you have gone through the steps, you’ll feel better knowing you’ve ensured the safest and healthiest drinking water for you and your family. Plus, not only do well water filters eliminate the need to add salt and chemicals, remove the taste and odor of chlorine, but it also improves plant growth, helps soaps and detergents to last longer, and most importantly ensures safe, healthy and excellent quality water for your family year round.