How To Use Chlorination Systems for Well & Spring Water

Although several methods eliminate microorganisms and odors in water, chlorination is the most commonly used. A chlorination system is effective against many pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, but it does not kill all viruses, cysts, or worms at normal dosage rates.

Water used for drinking and cooking should be free of odor, slime-producing bacteria, and pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms that cause such illnesses as typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, and gastroenteritis.

Often combined with a water filtration system, Chlorination Systems are an excellent and cost-effective way to disinfect drinking water supplies, eliminate odors, and oxidize iron and other metals.

The two most common methods of chlorination for residential well water systems are:

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Solid bleach pellets and powders (calcium hypochlorite)

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Well Water Chlorinator:

Have I had my water tested?
What is the “chlorine demand” (based on my water test) of my water?
What is the flow rate of my well pump in gallons per minute?
How much contact time do I have after the chlorine is injected, and will a contact tank be necessary?
What is the line pressure in PSI at the point where I plan to inject the chlorine?

Test Your Water

A general mineral analysis will provide a list of the common minerals. Important items to test for include:

Coliform bacteria
Alkalinity
ph
Hardness (calcium carbonate)
Iron
Manganese
Total dissolved solids

Stains and Odors

If water is discolored or has a strong odor, you may also want to test for:

Iron Bacteria
Tannin
Hydrogen sulfide

Chlorination Systems: Professional Analysis or Home Test Kit?

If there is an odor problem with the water supply, the first step is to determine the source. If the source is from the well directly, a general mineral water analysis is critical to select the correct water treatment system.

To find a local lab, consult your county health department for recommendations.

The water sample should be drawn as close to the source as possible before any filtration Chlorination Systems.

Easy Water Test Kit Sale — Get specific measurable results, not just presence/absence.

Allow water to run for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring that you are getting a sample coming directly out of the well and has not been sitting in pipes or pressure tanks.

You can also use a laboratory analysis water test kit. This kit contains a freeze pack with special bottles for sending by overnight UPS or FEDX to the lab. Extensive analysis for bacteria, general minerals, metals, and chemicals are available for a relatively low cost.