Does Well Water Need to Be Filtered?

Where is Well Water Used?

Well water is commonly used by households in rural areas where city water infrastructure isn’t available. These areas rely on groundwater sourced directly from underground aquifers¹, which are layers of rock, sand, or gravel that hold water. Homeowners with wells tap into these natural sources by drilling deep into the earth, reaching the aquifers where the water is stored. Because it’s drawn straight from the ground, well water can be influenced by everything happening in the surrounding environment, such as agricultural runoff and natural mineral deposits.

Without the centralized treatment that city water receives, well owners are responsible for monitoring and filtering their water for contaminants. Understanding where well water comes from and how it reaches your faucet is a first step to ensuring it’s safe, clean, and reliable.

Common Contaminants in Well Water

Well water, while often refreshing and naturally sourced, can sometimes contain a variety of contaminants that pose health risks if left untreated. Here are some of the most common contaminants found in well water² and how they can impact your health.

1. Bacteria and Viruses

Bacteria like E. coli and viruses such as norovirus can enter well water from animal waste, septic tank leaks, or runoff from nearby livestock farms. These pathogens can cause a range of illnesses, from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting to more severe infections. 

2. Nitrates

Nitrates are compounds commonly found in fertilizers and septic system runoff. They often enter groundwater through agricultural activity or septic leakage.

In high levels, nitrates are particularly dangerous for infants, potentially causing a condition known as “blue baby syndrome,” which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. For adults, long-term exposure to nitrates may contribute to various health issues.

3. Heavy Metals 

Heavy metals like lead and arsenic can seep into groundwater from natural deposits, industrial waste, and older plumbing materials. These metals can have serious health effects, especially with prolonged exposure. 

Lead in tap water³, for instance, can cause physical and mental developmental delays, kidney problems, or high blood pressure. Arsenic has been linked to skin damage, circulatory problems, and an increased risk of cancer.

4. Pesticides

Pesticides, used in agriculture and landscaping, can seep into groundwater, especially in farming regions. Exposure to these chemicals over time may cause nervous system issues, skin or eye irritation, and an increased risk of cancer.

5. Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally as uranium breaks down in soil and rock. This gas can dissolve in groundwater and enter well water supplies. Exposure to radon over time, particularly through inhalation when using water for showering or washing, is linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. Although ingestion carries a lower risk, it’s still a potential health concern.

For well water users, staying vigilant about these contaminants and regularly testing water quality is essential. A good filtration system can provide a dependable solution, ensuring your water stays free from harmful substances and safe for everyday use.

Why Filtering Well Water is Beneficial

There are several advantages to filtering your drinking water. Filtering well water is one of the most effective ways to ensure that every glass of tap water you drink is not only safer to drink but also tastes clean and fresh. While well water is often rich in minerals, it’s vulnerable to contaminants from various sources like soil runoff, agricultural chemicals, and naturally occurring metals. A good filtration system can tackle these impurities, helping you enjoy a worry-free water supply that’s as pure as it tastes.

Filtration systems are specifically designed to target the most common contaminants in well water, such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and pesticides. By removing these, filters don’t just protect your health—they also enhance the taste, smell, and clarity of your water. And, unlike bottled water, filtered well water maintains its natural minerals, giving it a crisp, clean flavor that’s also beneficial to health.

How to Filter Well Water for Drinking

There are different filtration options available based on specific contaminants. For instance:

• Carbon filters are effective for removing organic compounds, improving taste, and reducing odor.
• UV filters are great for eliminating bacteria and viruses without affecting the water's mineral content.
• Ion exchange technology systems go the extra mile, removing Total Dissolved Solids, Forever Chemicals, and other contaminants for the purest water possible.

Whether you’re using a whole-house filtration system or a dedicated under-sink filter, these options provide an extra layer of safety, making well water a reliable and great-tasting choice for your household. For those using well water daily, investing in a high-quality filtration system means turning your tap into a source of water you can trust.

Please add approved image of 5-stage water filter/system

ZeroWater’s 5-Stage Filtration System

Our certified 5-stage filtration system is designed to effectively remove high levels of common contaminants, reducing potential health risks associated with elevated pollutant levels, making it an excellent filtration option for well water.

Some of our most popular water filtration products include:

• 7 Cup Ready-Pour Pitcher
• 52 Cup Ready-Read Dispenser
• 32 Cup Ready-Read Pitcher Starter Kit
• Faucet Mount

With advanced ion exchange technology, our filters remove 99.6% of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), as well as harmful substances like Forever Chemicals, providing cleaner and safer drinking water. This multi-stage process ensures water that’s healthier and purer than regular tap water by guarding against a variety of contaminants. 

Shop ZeroWater 

Find quality water filtration solutions designed to significantly reduce harmful contaminants when you shop ZeroWater. Using our pitchers and countertop dispensers and other filtration systems, as well as complimentary products like our TDS meter water tester, will provide you peace of mind knowing your well water has been thoroughly filtered and a large portion of harmful contaminants have been removed.

Refer to our FAQ’s for more information.

Sources:

1. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/groundwater-wells
2. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/fish-water/common-contaminants-found-in-well-water/
3. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-lead-pipes-infrastructure/