Which is Better to Treat Well Water for Bacteria, Odor and Iron: Chlorine Bleach or Hydrogen Peroxide?

Chlorination is still the most common method used for disinfection of bacteria and to eliminate odors and oxidize iron in home well water treatment systems.  Chlorine has been used as the primary means to disinfect potable water supplies since the early years of the 20th century and is still the most common
disinfectant used in water treatment.

Home well water chlorinators are popular because they are low in cost and easy for homeowners to install and operate. Chlorine is easy to remove after the water has been treated with simple carbon filters, so it is not difficult or costly to have disinfected yet chlorine-free water throughout the home.

But many folks on well water prefer to use hydrogen peroxide and for very good reasons.  Hydrogen peroxide (“H2O2”) is a powerful oxidizing agent, much more powerful than chlorine.  Unlike chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) which adds sodium and chemical residuals to the water, peroxide leaves no chemical residuals.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water leaving no trace of chemical residues.

For problem well water containing iron, iron bacteria, manganese and/or “rotten-egg” sulfur odor “H2S” (hydrogen sulfide gas) hydrogen peroxide systems are an excellent choice.

When peroxide is added to water a large amount of dissolved oxygen is released and a powerful oxidizing effect occurs. Coliform and iron bacteria are killed, and tannins are oxidized.

A very effective way to treat difficult well water for bacteria, iron and odors is to inject peroxide and then simply filter the oxidized particulate with a Centaur Catalytic Carbon filter. 


See this diagram showing a typical hydrogen peroxide system on well water with a pressure tank:

If there is a lot of fine sediment or very high levels of iron, a secondary sediment backwash filter or 5 micron cartridge filter can be used in combination with the catalytic carbon filter.  The result is clean, odor-free, non-staining water throughout the home.

In this application the metering pump would be wired to come on with the well, and then whenever energized a dilution of peroxide would be injected to oxidize odors for filtration by Centaur Carbon filter.  Centaur Carbon also removes residual peroxide along with other tastes and odors from the treated water as well.

The high purity natural mined Zeolite ChemSorb media filters and removes sediment down to 5 microns.  Unlike filter cartridges that quickly become clogged and require frequent changes, the Backwash Sediment Filter automatically backwashes the sediment restoring water pressure. The media is easily changed and lasts for about 5 years.

Here are the main components used in this type of system:



Metering Pump & Tank: 45MHP-10 Stenner Pump with 15 gallon heavy-duty polyethylene solution tank;

Pump output 0.5 to 10.0 gallons per day (1.9 to 37.9 liters per day); voltage 115 or 220V; 60 Hz. This is a complete system that comes with everything you need: solution tank; metering pump; tubing; fittings; and injection check valve.

 
 





Tank Contact Mixing 40 Gallon 1-1/4 inch inlet. 

The CT-40 tank is a durable easy-to-install retention tank designed to provide optimum contact time during chemical treatment. These lightweight seamless totally non-corrosive retention tanks are ideal for new and replacement installation where durability is at a premium. 100% non-metallic polymer materials. Impervious to chemical attack.

2 Dimensions to choose from, same price:  Either 21” Diameter x 36” Tall or 16” Diameter  x 58” Tall


Centaur Carbon 7000 Backwash, 2.0 cubic foot 7000 115 Volt:   


http://www.cleanwaterstore.com/T2000690-p-contact-tank.htmlAll the filter media you need for the system is included. Excellent for use in de-chlorinating water, removing chloramines, and removing many tastes and odors.  Very effective catalytic carbon for removing impurities from water and suitable for a home with up to 3 ½ bathrooms.

Much longer life and higher flow rates than standard carbon. Unlike carbon cartridges which can trap sediment and dirt causing pressure drop these systems automatically backwash out trapped sediment alleviating pressure drop.

Dimensions:  12” Diameter x 61” Tall with control valve.  ¾” or 1” pipe connectors and bypass is included.  We also provide full installation and start-up guides directly to you and are available for Tech-support.






Sediment Backwash Filter 7000 2.0 Cubic Foot:

Excellent quality. Low maintenance.   Filters down to 5 microns, excellent for trapping heavy sediment and backwashing to drain.  Utilizes the Enpress Vortec tank featuring higher flow rates along with reduced backwashing times.

1" or 3/4" pipe connectors and bypass valve included

Dimensions: 12" Diameter x 54"  Tall tank.  Total height with valve 61”

Shipping weight (boxes shipped separately):  145 Lbs.







Hydrogen Peroxide NSF Grade for Drinking Water
Case of 4  1-gallon containers

Safe 7% solution.

Average use is 1/2 gallon to 2 gallons per month depending on level of odors and amount of water used.  This can also be purchased locally to you, we simply offer this brand.