Why Homeowners Still Choose Chlorination Systems

Small chlorination systems remain a low-cost and popular option for disinfecting well water, eliminating odor, and oxidizing iron and manganese.

While alternatives like hydrogen peroxide, UV light, and ozone have become more affordable, chlorine remains the most common method for treating home well water systems.

• Chlorine bleach has been used to sanitize potable water since the early 20th century.
• Well water chlorinators are simple to install, easy to operate, and more cost-effective compared to other options.
• Chlorine odor can easily be removed with a low-cost carbon filter after treatment, allowing you to enjoy sanitized, chlorine-free water throughout your home.

Chlorine requires sufficient contact time with the water to kill bacteria, oxidize iron, and eliminate odors. Typically, at least 10 minutes of contact time is recommended; however, this duration may vary depending on water chemistry, temperature, and chlorine levels.

Types of Well Water Chlorinators

There are three main types of chlorinators used for home well water:

1. Metering Pumps with Liquid Chlorine

• The most popular and low-cost method.
• The chlorine metering pump switches on and off with the well pump or a flow sensor.
• Add household bleach (5%) or liquid pool bleach (10%) to a plastic solution tank.
• Inject chlorine into the water line before the pressure tank.
• Install a variable-speed chlorinator with a flow meter if placing it after the pressure tank.
• Use a contact tank to give chlorine enough time to disinfect the water.

2. In-Line Pellet Feeders

• Use solid pellets made of 70% calcium hypochlorite.
• Do not require electricity, making them the most affordable option.
• Easy to manage and can last several months before needing more pellets.
• Chlorine levels are harder to control, often leading to too much chlorine near the feeder.
• A contact tank and carbon filter are needed to remove excess chlorine taste and smell.

3. Pellet Drop Feeders

• Drops chlorine pellets directly into the well when the pump runs.
• Homeowners can control the pellet drop rate manually.
• Effective for controlling iron bacteria and hydrogen sulfide, but not typically used as the primary disinfection method.
• Overuse can cause excessive chlorine buildup, leading to corrosion of the well and pump components.

Introduction to Well Water Chlorination Systems

Well water chlorination systems disinfect water by removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause waterborne diseases. These systems use chlorine to ensure the water is safe for human consumption, offering an affordable and effective solution for homeowners who rely on private wells.

One major advantage of well water chlorination systems is their flexibility. You can customize the system to fit your home’s needs by adjusting for water flow rate, chlorine demand, and maintenance requirements. By installing a well water chlorination system, homeowners protect their drinking water and enjoy greater peace of mind.

Importance of Drinking Water Safety

Drinking water safety is a critical concern for households that rely on well water, as contaminated water can pose serious health risks. Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can contaminate well water and cause waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery. In addition to health risks, contaminated well water can also affect the water's taste, odor, and appearance, making it unpleasant to drink.

Ensuring drinking water safety is especially important for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. By installing a well water chlorination system, homeowners can ensure that their drinking water is safe and clean, significantly reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Well Water Contamination Risks

Well water can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Common sources of well water contamination include nearby agricultural activities, septic systems, and animal waste. Additionally, well water can be contaminated with chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes can also contaminate well water, making it essential to test the water regularly. By understanding the risks of well water contamination, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their drinking water and ensure it is safe and clean.

How Well Water Chlorination Systems Work

Well water chlorination systems use chlorine to disinfect the water, effectively removing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause waterborne diseases. The system typically consists of a chlorine feeder, a contact tank, and a distribution system. The chlorine feeder adds chlorine to the water, which is then mixed with the water in the contact tank.

The contact tank allows the chlorine to contact the water for a sufficient amount of time to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. The distribution system carries the disinfected water throughout the household, ensuring it stays safe and clean for consumption.

Types of Chlorination Systems

Several types of chlorination systems are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional chlorine pool systems use chlorine tablets or granules to disinfect the water. These systems are straightforward but may require more frequent maintenance.

Liquid chlorine systems disinfect the water using liquid chlorine, which is often more convenient and cost-effective than traditional chlorine pool systems. These systems are easy to manage and can provide consistent chlorine levels.

These systems are popular for their low maintenance requirements and the softer feel they provide to the water. Each type of chlorination system has its own set of benefits, and the choice of system will depend on factors such as water flow rate, chlorine demand, and maintenance requirements.

Reference:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Private drinking water wells. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/privatewells