Match the symptom to the treatment
| What you notice | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| Orange or brown stains, metallic taste | Iron filter (air injection or greensand) |
| Rotten-egg smell, worst on hot water | Sulphur (hydrogen sulphide) filter, sometimes a water-heater anode change |
| Failed bacteria test, or a shallow or dug well | UV disinfection system with a sediment pre-filter |
| Sand, grit or cloudy water | Sediment filter, sometimes a well inspection |
| Concern about nitrates or a bad taste in drinking water | Reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap |
Start with a water test
Public Health Ontario tests private well water for bacteria free of charge. Sample bottles are available from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health offices and some pickup locations. A treatment contractor can also test for iron, hardness and sulphur on site.
Retest after any flooding, after work on the well, and at least a few times a year if you drink the water.
Where we can help
We connect homeowners with well water treatment contractors in Guelph, Puslinch & Aberfoyle, Erin & Hillsburgh, Rockwood & Guelph/Eramosa, Fergus & Elora and Ayr & North Dumfries.
Questions about well water treatment
Will a softener remove iron?
A softener handles small amounts of iron, but higher levels damage the resin. Most wells with visible staining need a dedicated iron filter first.
Does a UV system need maintenance?
Yes. The lamp is replaced about once a year and the quartz sleeve is cleaned so the light reaches the water.