Compare the Costs of Using Chlorine Vs Hydrogen Peroxide for Well Water Treatment?
Hydrogen peroxide: A very effective well water treatment method for eliminating odors and bacteria and oxidizing iron, manganese, and other contaminants is injecting a small amount of chlorine or hydrogen peroxide each time the well pump turns on. Chlorination or peroxide injection combined with a backwashing catalytic carbon filter system is an excellent way to have clean, odor-free, disinfected water throughout the home.
Unlike chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), hydrogen peroxide does not add salts or other chemical residuals to the water. After interacting with the water, peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water.
However, a common concern is the cost. We are often asked, “Which is cheaper, chlorine or peroxide?”
Peroxide can cost more to buy upfront than bleach for a similar concentration. For example, chlorine bleach commonly costs $2 to $5 a gallon for 5% to 7% chlorine. However, peroxide may cost $10 to $14 a gallon for a 7% peroxide solution. So, in a straight comparison, peroxide seems more expensive.
However, peroxide acts approximately twice as fast as chlorine. For example, 1.0 PPM of iron takes 0.6 to 1.0 PPM of chlorine to be oxidized, but it only takes 0.3 to 0.5 PPM of peroxide to oxidize the same 1.0 PPM of iron. Since less peroxide is required, it can end up costing the same as chlorine.
This makes hydrogen peroxide a competitive and efficient choice for well water treatment, especially for homeowners seeking an alternative to chlorine without added salts or chemical byproducts.
One way to save money on peroxide is to buy it locally in a higher concentration. For example, we sell 7% peroxide, which is safe to ship and handle. However, peroxide can often be purchased locally in your area at a higher concentration of 15% to 35% at a cheaper cost, although care must be taken when handling it, and it may require dilution before injecting it.
