Using Chlorinator Systems To Remove Bacteria

The US Environmental Protection agency strongly recommends annual coliform bacteria testing for private water wells, as contamination can occur without any change in taste or odor to the water.

It is best to address your bacteria problem as soon as possible in order to keep it under control, and will even save time and money in the long run.

If your well has recently tested positive for coliform bacteria, a chlorination system can be the best method for removing bacteria.

Chlorine can be easily and inexpensively injected into water to kill bacteria, inactivate viruses, and/or treat water for odor, iron or manganese.

Why use a water well chlorinator?

The main advantages of chlorination are that chlorine injection costs relatively little to set up, and you can inexpensively detect the chlorine residual in the distribution lines of the piping system, assuring proper disinfection.

In other words, unlike UV sterilizers or ozone, which are also used for disinfection, a chlorine residual can be easily detected, which usually means the water is properly disinfected.

The most common way to chlorinate home or small community water systems is by the use of a metering pump which pumps a small amount of liquid chlorine bleach into the water. Sufficient contact time must be allowed for the chlorine to be effective.

What does a Carbon Backwashing Filter Do?

A carbon backwash filter can be used to remove the chlorine before it enters the home if desired.

We inject liquid chlorine (bleach) right out of the well, before the pressure tank. A contact tank typically provides enough contact or retention time for the chlorine or hydrogen peroxide to work properly.

Here is a diagram of a typical installation of a chlorinator system. We design these systems so any plumber or person familiar with basic plumbing can install them easily.

Which chlorinator (metering pumps and solution tank) should I get for my application?

Are you a homeowner with a well pump that has a 1/2 hp to 1 hp pump? Our chlorinator J-PRO Series pump systems provide the lowest maintenance and are the easiest to use. These systems are easily adjustable to get the correct chlorine residual you need.

Want to use a pellet feeder? We offer chlorine pellet feeders that drop chlorine pellets down the well each time the well runs. The chlorine residual can be a little harder to control with a chlorine pellet feeder. They are more expensive to operate than the Stenner systems which use chlorine bleach.

Read more: How to Set Up A Well Water Chlorination System

Dry Pellet In-Line Chlorinator Model 400 – Now on SALE!

For more help on chlorinator systems, visit our FAQ Page. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at support@cleanwaterstore.com

Or leave us a message on Facebook for prompt, personalized assistance from our trained professionals.  Thanks for reading!

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Gerry Bulfin

Gerry Bulfin is the founder and owner of Clean Water Systems & Stores, Inc. (Clean Water Store) in Santa Cruz, California, which he started in 1986. He is a WQA Master Water Specialist, WQA Certified Installer, California Grade II Water Treatment Operator, and California Licensed Contractor (C-55 Water Conditioning), CSLB #1003944. Gerry is a long-time member of the Water Quality Association (WQA), the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and shares practical, test-based advice on choosing, installing and maintaining well and city water treatment systems.

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