Thursday, November 10, 2016

Should I Use a Chlorinator to Treat My Well Water?

Hello Ed,

Thank you for your email and I am happy to answer your question below,

"I had my water tested recently and have a few questions. Currently we have a water softener w/ salt that is not removing the high levels of iron and manganese. I increased the frequency of the regeneration and it is consuming more salt, but the iron remains too high.  

I'd like to address iron, the ph. Also the report says "total Coli form" did not pass state Drinking Water Standards, although report detail says "Fecal Coliform Not Tested ,and E.Coli is absent."   

Should I use a chlorinator to treat my well water?  Can i kill bacteria and also treat for iron and manganese with a well water chlorinator?

Ed in Texas "


Considering the extremely high levels of Iron (stains at 0.3 mg/L), Manganese (stains at 0.05 mg/L) as well as the extremely acidic pH, a Water Softener would not be ideal in this case.  Instead you would be better off injecting chlorine or peroxide and oxidizing the Iron/Manganese for filtration 

One very effective method to treat water such as this is by using chlorination injection along with appropriate filtration as well as a Contact Tank.  The Contact Tank is required for mixing time with contaminants, this is explained further below.

Chlorine (mixed with water) is injected by the pump whenever the well is on.  Once injected the 80 gallon Contact Tank allows for sufficient retention time with the chlorine to react with the contaminants and fully oxidize for filtration.  

An Acid Neutralizer will raise the pH to a neutral 7.0 – 7.5 level or so with the Iron filter then taking out any residual, oxidized Iron/Manganese/Odors.  

Finally your existing Water Softener can be adjusted way back to be as efficient as possible and drastically reduce the amount of salts you are currently using.

The Precision-24 self-priming chlorine pump systems are easy to install by anyone familiar with basic plumbing and very easy to maintain yourself.  Settings for the pump will be provided as well as the ratio of Chlorinating Liquid : Water to be used.  A test kit is included at no charge so we make sure to inject the proper amount for our needs.

Please see this diagram here:



Pro-OX Manganese Dioxide media is an NSF Certified natural high purity mineral that is used for removing iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese from water supplies.  This filter media utilizes an oxidation-reduction reaction and filtration process similar to Greensand, but at a much higher level of performance.  


The following will show images, product links for additional information:




Precision-24 Metering Pump with 15 Gallon Solution Tank:


Extremely versatile pump comes in either 115 or 220 volt so as to be wired to come on whenever your well or pressure system is energized.  Works with well water flow rates from 1 – 50 Gallons per Minute (GPM).

Output rating:  0.1 – 24 Gallons per Day (GPD).  Pressure rating:  Will inject into lines with up to 110 PSI.  Digital speed adjustment allows for quick changes to pump output.


Additional features:  Degassing Valve is built in which makes this great for chlorination use.  System includes Chlorination Pump, 15 Gallon Solution Tank, Injection Check Valve, tubing and installation fittings.  Larger size solution tanks available for additional cost.  

 Excellent Warranty:  1 year on the Metering Pump





80 Gallon Contact Tank                                                                                




The CT-80 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.  Comes with  1-1/4 inch inlet. 



Dimensions:  21” Diameter x 63” Tall




Excellent Warranty:  5 Years from date of installation.






Pro-Ox Iron Filter 5900e, 1.5 cu. Ft, 115 volt


Pro-Ox contains 80% manganese dioxide in an extremely unique cluster format for enhanced performance and maximized capacity.   No need for other chemicals as will utilize the chlorination system as it’s oxidizer.

Dimensions:  10" diameter x 61" height with the valve attached.   ¾" or 1” connectors, media, valve, and bypass is included.  All installation and start-up guides will be sent directly to you and we are available for tech-support as well should you have questions during installation or down the line.  



Excellent warranty: 10 years on the media tank; Industry leading 7 years on the Control Valve.






Neutralizer-Blend Filter 5900e System - 1.5 Cubic Foot Size                   

                                                       


Raises pH and prevents copper corrosion, uses standard tank with gravel.  Includes Free Spectrum pH test kit to insure of proper operation.  Rugged heavy-duty Digital NSF-Certified backwash control valve features fully adjustable backwash and rinse cycles saving water and allowing maximized performance.  Includes all necessary media (Calcite & Corosex) to treat your 4.7 pH.


Dimensions:  10" diameter x 61" height   ¾" or 1” pipe connectors and bypass is included.  Will ship in several boxes, all installation instructions will be emailed to you for review.  We also offer professional tech-support should you need it during your installation or in the future.

Shipping weight:  176 lbs. 

Excellent warranty: 10 years on the filter tank; Industry leading 7 years on the Control Valve.