Well Water Treatment Systems - Well Water Chlorinators

A water well is a structure constructed for the purpose of deriving water from the underground aquifers. Wells are created by digging, drilling or boring in the ground till the water table of groundwater. The depth of well and water holding capacity differ as per the design. Depending upon the methodology of accessing water, wells are classified as dug well, driven well and drilled well.

Previously, well water is drawn up mechanically by using buckets and other containers. In recent times, most of the wells are fixed with pumps for easy accessing of water. Well water dawned up are stored in the storage tanks for day-to-day usage. In some regions, well water is still used as a major source of drinking water. Nevertheless, like other water sources, well water contain pollutants such as particulate matter, microbes, toxic chemicals and other contaminations.

Well Water: Quality

The quality of well water may vary according to the characteristics of ground water from which water is extracted. The chances of contamination in the well water are high, especially in dug well type as there is an exposure of the water surface. Majority of the water samples collected from wells are found to be contaminated in some way or the other. Proper testing of well water helps in identifying the chemical, biological and particulate matters that are present in the water sample.

Well Water Treatment Systems - Chlorinators

Some of the basic test protocols recommended for testing well water are hardness, pH level, mineral test, heavy metal test, pesticide test and volatile gas analysis. In case of color and odor problems, the sample of well water should be tested for methane, hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, iron level and manganese content. It is also advisable to opt for regular monitoring of well water, at least once in six months.

The treatment system of well water should be selected as per the results of the water quality analysis. One of the most cost-effective and safe methods for purification of well water is the use of chlorinators. Chlorination is the process in which a specific amount of chlorine containing compound is added in the well water. Most popularly used chlorinators for the treatment of well water are sodium hypochlorite (also known as bleach) and calcium hypochlorite.

Chlorinators are available in various concentrations. Hence, while using them, one should always follow the instructions as to how much of the compound should be used for a particular quantity of well water. Less amount of chlorinator may result in the retention of contaminants even after the treatment. Also, excess usage of chlorinators may impart chlorine smell in the treated water.

There are several advantages of chlorinators used for the treatment of well water. To mention a few, they are effective for killing disease causing microbes (bacteria, viruses) and reducing rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide. Studies have shown that chlorinators are also effective for breaking down bacterial slimes and destroying algae. Another advantage of chlorinators is facilitating the removal of iron from the well water.

Speaking about the drawbacks of chlorinators, they may form harmful chlorine compounds with the chemicals and minerals present in the well water. Some fluorides, nitrates, radionuclide substances and hazardous chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals retain in the well water even after the treatment with chlorinators. Also, the amount of chlorinator required for the effective treatment of well water is very high.

Besides well water chlorinators, there are several point-of-use water treatment methods such as reverse osmosis, anion exchanger, activated carbon filter, ozone treatment and ultraviolet purifier. While opting for any of this home water treatment systems, make sure that the performance and/or effectiveness of the device is examined properly.