Best Well Water Filtration Systems in 2023

For less than half the price of the Aquasana Rhino, APEC’s 3-stage Whole-House Filter System provides decent protection against common groundwater pollutants like iron, sulfides, and dirt.

You won’t get the same level of filtration or value for money with this cartridge-based water filtration system, but if you need a short-term whole house water filter for just over $500, this well water filter system is the right choice.

We don’t recommend the APEC 3-stage Filter for:

Well owners with very hard water or concerns about microorganisms

Contaminants removed:

• Sediment
• Iron
• Chemicals
• Bad tastes and smells

Filter technology:

• Sediment filter
• Iron filter
• Granular activated carbon (GAC) filter

1. Like the other water filtration systems in this list, The APEC filter for well water first sends water through a sediment filter to remove sand, silt, scale, and rust. APEC’s sediment screen can catch particles down to a size of 30 microns, which is respectable, but certainly not the best in class. On the upside, the pleated cartridge is washable and reusable, saving on the cost of replacements.

2. To collect dissolved iron from a water supply, the APEC Whole-House Filter employs a manganese dioxide media, which converts dissolved, soluble iron into insoluble ferric iron. This enables the third filtration stage—a carbon filter—to effectively capture iron pollution.

3. Like almost every other multi-stage filter, the APEC finishes its treatment cycle with an activated carbon stage, helping to remove any remaining organic impurities and bad tastes. Here, however, the GAC media is particularly essential, as it’s designed to remove the insoluble iron produced by the previous stage of the system.

While each stage of the APEC filter is relatively basic in terms of technology, it does the job well, without diminishing the mineral content of water.

The iSpring RCS5T 500 offers a different solution to contaminated well water. Using dual flow reverse osmosis (RO) technology, this water filtration system can produce highly pure water on-demand without tanks. This means that those with limited space can still enjoy comprehensive drinking water protection.

The downside? Reverse osmosis filters have very low flow rates, meaning you’ll likely also need to invest in a water pressure tank to create true whole house water filtration.

We don’t recommend the iSpring Reverse Osmosis Filter for:

Mid-to-large size houses without a water pressure boosting tank

Filter technology

Carbon filter

Reverse osmosis filter

While there are no tanks in the iSpring RCS5T 500, the system still contains multiple filtration stages. Alongside the main RO stage, this model combines three densities of activated carbon with a pre-filter to capture sediment and protect those delicate osmosis membranes.

Stage 1 passes source water through a 5-micron sediment filter to remove rust and particles that can cloud water and damage appliances, as well as other elements in the filter system. 5 microns is a good threshold, and matches the best sediment stages in other filters on this page.

Stages 2 & 3 hold activated carbon media that adsorb organic contaminants which can cause bad tastes and smells. The use of both Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and a carbon block stage increases the number of organic contaminants that the iSpring is capable of handling.

Stage 4 is the filter’s main RO stage. Here, water is pumped through a membrane with micropores that are just 0.0001-micron wide. These are rated to capture 99.9% of common contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticide residues. Finally, stage 5 acts as a failsafe, using another carbon media to capture any remaining dissolved pollutants.

Well water filtration systems are complex products.

They contain multiple filtration stages with different filter technologies and come from many different brands, so choosing the right product can be confusing.

To make things easier, we’ve written this well water filter buyer’s guide. It’s designed to help you identify your filtering needs, and provide useful product comparison data so you can see which filtration system is the best fit for your domestic well.

Water filters are contaminant-specific devices. A filter designed for iron and sulfur won’t remove bacteria, while a sediment filter can’t handle chemicals.

As a result, you’ll need to work out what substances are contaminating your well, then choose a system with one or more relevant filtration stages.

There are three main ways to discover well water contaminants. We recommend using a combination of all three approaches:

• Check your well water’s taste, smell, and appearance,
• Look for contamination risks in your local environment,
• Perform a well water test.

1. Well water taste, smell, and appearance

Some well water contaminants are easy to spot thanks to the way they affect water quality:

Sulfur — another frequent well pollutant that creates a distinct, off-putting odor similar to rotten eggs. Manganese may occur alongside sulfur and iron, causing black staining.

Undissolved iron — Non-dissolved iron is one of the most common contaminants in well water and often gives water an orange, rust color. It may also stain appliances and dishes.

Sediment — Sediment such as silt, sand, rust, or debris can also contribute to water clouding and produce metallic or earthy tastes.

Hard minerals — Hard water minerals are found across large areas of the US, and cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, as well as clouding on stainless steel and glassware.

2. Use a home well water test kit

Home well water tests are cheap and widely available online and in hardware stores.

They indicate the presence of common contaminants that have no taste, smell, or appearance, such as bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals.

Here’s our full post on how to test your well water.

3. Look for local environmental indicators

Another way to identify well contamination is to take note of the features in your local environment.

For example, areas with lots of industry, agriculture, or urbanization may produce chemical runoff that washes into shallow wells.

If your region experiences frequent drought, then changes to the water table can increase the amount of mud and sediment in your well shaft.

Here are some common environmental features, and what the EPA says you should test your well water for if they occur:

Source: epa.gov

Once you know what kind of materials you want to remove from your well water, it’s easy to select the right type of well water filtration system with the relevant filter stages.

Different whole-house systems use different methods to filter well water. The most common filtration methods are air injection (oxidization), activated carbon, sediment screening, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet purification.

Air injection filter – for iron, sulfur, and manganese

SpringWell’s Air Injection system targets iron and sulfur

Iron, sulfur, and manganese are some of the most common well water contaminants.

If your well is contaminated with dissolved iron, an air injection filter will oxidize the iron into a non-dissolved form, which is then captured in a filter bed.

In our 2023 review, the only filtration systems with air-injection tanks for powerful iron filtering are the SpringWell Well Filter and the SpringWell Ultra Combo.

Carbon filter – for chemicals, bad tastes, and bad smells

The Aquasana Rhino UpFlow carbon filter stage

Some well water contains weird smells and bad tastes. This may be due to contamination from organic and industrial chemicals like VOCs, benzene, or trihalomethanes.

In these cases, use a filter with an activated carbon stage.

Carbon cartridges are the most common type of media found in home filters. They’re highly effective at capturing organic compounds that affect the taste, smell, and appearance of water.

The Aquasana Rhino system has one of the most popular and effective activated carbon filter media on the market.

Sediment filter – for silt, sand, dirt, and rust

The Culligan supports multiple cartridges to target different types of sediment.

To remove undissolved particles and debris from your well water, choose a filtration system with a pre-filter or sediment micron filter.

Pre-filters or sediment screens are designed to remove larger contaminants from a water supply, and will usually filter down to the 5, 10, or 30-micron level.

The SpringWell Ultra and Aquasana Rhino systems all come with a 5-micron sediment filter as standard.

Removing sediment from a water supply helps reduce cloudiness and increases the lifespan of other filter stages and pipes. Many sediment screens are washable and reusable.

Water softener – for hard water minerals

If your well contains hard minerals that cause scale build-up in your dishwasher or clouding on your glassware, choose a filtration system with an integrated water softener or water conditioner.

Traditional water softeners use a pure salt solution to draw scale-causing minerals like magnesium and calcium from the water supply. This changes the feel of water, giving it the characteristically ‘soft’ sensation.

The SpringWell Salt-Based Softener in action

On this page, the SpringWell Ultra is the only system that comes with a salt-based water softener.

Water conditioners are salt-free devices that don’t remove hard minerals from the water supply. Instead, they reformat the minerals so they don’t stick to surfaces.

UV purifier – for bacteria, viruses, and cysts

If your well water is unsafe to drink due to the presence of microorganisms, use a UV purifier or a reverse osmosis filter to remove pathogens.

UV purifiers use high-intensity bulbs to shine ultraviolet through water, inactivating any microorganisms living inside. The UV rays disrupt the DNA of viruses and disease-causing cells, making them safe to drink.

We recommend the SpringWell Ultra system, as you can add the optional UV add-on (for a price increase).

Measured in Gallons Per Minute (GPM), flow rate is a measure of how much water a filtration system can process at a single time.

You’ll need a system with a flow rate that exceeds the flow of your well or the average flow rate demands of your home (whichever is higher).

Choosing the right capacity filter for your home’s size will have a big effect on flow rate. Filter systems designed for 1-3 bathrooms will run out quickly and may not provide an adequate number of gallons per minute if pushed to perform beyond capacity.

Average well water flow rates

The original water pressure from your well plays a role in how your system will perform. If your well flow rate is far below your home’s needs, a water filter system won’t do anything to resolve this issue.

Proper well drilling and functioning well pumps are essential to ensure adequate pressure enters the system in the first place.

Most wells have flow rates between 3 and 6 GPM, which is around the lower estimated average needs for a household. That’s why it’s important to find a filter setup that won’t seriously restrict water flow.

Average home appliance flow rates

As a very general rule, the average American adult uses around 100 gallons of water per day. When they draw water, they tend to do so at an average flow rate of 5 GPM.

In other words, if you add up the total time a person spends interacting with water appliances and fixtures, it usually equals around 20 minutes per day.

Here are some average flow rates for standard home appliances:

Regardless of the filtration system, most homes on city water and well water can’t support the simultaneous flow demand of all of their appliances.

Instead, work out how many appliances you regularly use at the same time, and use that number as your maximum GPM requirement.

You’ll likely find that your max flow rate is between 5-10 GPM, depending on home size and the number of adults living there.

Homes running on flow rates under 2.5 GPM are usually designated as “low flow.”

If you’re in a household with more than 3 bathrooms, 2 adults, or a larger family, you may find that the Aquasana Rhino can’t meet your flow rate demands.

Here, SpringWell leads the industry for high flow tanks that can keep up with high water consumption habits.

How to maximize the flow rate from your well

• In general, the more filter stages that a system contains, the more that flow rate will be affected. So try to only install the filter stages relevant to your well supply.
• Small changes to your household routine, such as only taking one shower at a time, or not running the laundry machine and dishwasher simultaneously, can help to lower your flow rate demands.
• Clean filter cartridges have a lesser effect on flow rates than those clogged with dirt and debris.
• Doubling up two smaller systems in a dual-flow setup may result in a faster flow rate than using a single larger system.
• Electrical pumps that add pressure to your system can provide a small boost in GPM.

Average filtration system capacity needs

Most filtration systems that use tanks to house filter media and process water come in two or three different sizes. This helps accommodate different water consumption levels without overspending on excess capacity.

The capacity of cartridge-based filter systems varies widely depending upon the type of filter media and the size of the cartridge.

In general, capacity is roughly estimated at 100,000 gallons per year. So:

• The 1,000,000 gallon tank in the SpringWell Well Water Filter should provide 10+ years of maintenance-free filtering.
• The 600,000 gallon tank in the Aquasana Rhino should provide 5+ years of maintenance-free filtering.
• The 80,000 gallon capacity cartridges in the APEC 3 Stage System should provide 6+ months of filtering.

The more polluted your water, the shorter the tank or cartridge lifespan will be.

Things to bear in mind with well water filter capacity

The higher the capacity of your filtration system, the longer it should run without the need for any maintenance or replacement parts.

Filter tanks with capacities in the hundreds-of-thousands of gallons can run for many years without being touched. Cartridge-based systems, on the other hand, need replacement parts and cleaning every 6-12 months.

For homes on a well, we recommend filter tanks. Check out the next section on how to weigh up the costs of cheaper cartridge systems vs long-lasting tanks.

There are some practical considerations in this section. Do you have the room to install large filtration tanks? Or will you need to fit a cartridge system into a tight space?

If you’re comparing the price of tank and cartridge systems, it’s important to add-up the costs of replacement cartridges over the expected filter lifespan.

How to think about filter system tank and cartridge replacement costs

If you have the space and DIY skills/extra budget to install a tank filter system, don’t be scared off by the base retail price.

While it’s true that cartridge-based systems are much cheaper to purchase, comparing the cost of both types of filters over an extended period reveals some interesting results.

The cartridges in lower-priced filter systems usually last between 6-12 months, depending upon consumption habits and the quality of well water.

Over the lifespan of the largest tank systems (10 years), that means a significant payout for replacement parts.

As a result, those looking to use their filtration system for more than five years may lose money by opting for a cartridge-based product.

Cartridge costs example

Here’s an example based on one of the most recommended “budget” well water filters: the iSpring WGB32BM 3-Stage System.

iSpring 3 Stage filter system – Not as cost-effective as you might think.

This iSpring filter retails for $535.90, which may seem like a good deal for those looking to make savings. However, it contains three cartridges that all need to be replaced once or twice per year:

So, while you may save over $2500 on the initial base price of the iSpring, you’ll actually pay more over the course of 10 years in replacement cartidges than if you’d chosen the most expensive filtration system on our list.

In addition, you’ll be paying extra for inferior filtration performance.

AND you’ll have so much more maintenance to complete, replacing cartridges and cleaning out the system twice a year.

Well water filtration system installation tips

With the right tools and experience, it’s possible to install most whole-house filters by yourself. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll be making changes to your home’s main water line—so always consult a plumber if unsure.

Brands like SpringWell design their products with DIY installation in mind. Reviews of the SpringWell Ultra Combo, a reasonably complex system, suggest that if you have rudimentary plumbing skills, you can save hundreds of dollars on labor costs.

Other brands, like Aquasana, put less focus on home installation. Reviews of the Aquasana EQ suggest that most customers hire a professional plumber for assistance.

The basic phases of installing a whole-house filter include:

• Choosing the right location. Try to install the filter directly where water enters the home.
• Cutting pipes. When the water supply is turned off, the water pipe can be cut to make room for the system. Teflon tape, grease, and O-rings can all help provide a tight, leak-proof seal.
• Checking flow rate and flushing. Once the system is fitted, most filters require flushing for minutes or hours before they can function optimally.

If something unexpected goes wrong with your filtration system, or you realize that you chose the wrong product for your well water, it pays to find a product with a generous warranty and return policy.

How to understand satisfaction / money-back guarantees on water filter systems

Increasingly, consumers expect to be able to test whether large purchases work for them. Trial periods or satisfaction guarantees offer this luxury, letting you install a filtration system and see whether it fixes your water issues before you commit.

But it’s important to read the full terms of any no-questions-asked return policy. Check for restocking fees, specific conditions, and whether you’re responsible for any large return postage costs on heavy tanks.

For example, SpringWell offers the most generous money-back guarantee period, with a 6-month trial period. However, they don’t cover shipping and charge a sizeable 25% restocking fee.

How to read a well water filter warranty

Generally speaking, tank filtration systems come with a lifetime limited warranty, while cartridge systems are covered for 1-3 years of regular use. However, always read the full terms and conditions if you’re interested in coverage.

3 key warranty terms to look out for:

1. Which components are covered (tanks, valves, fittings, etc.)
2. Whether “product lifetime” has a defined limit.
3. Water quality limits that may void the warranty.

What’s the difference between a whole-house and a regular water filter?

Whole-house filter systems (sometimes called point-of-entry filters) are built to be installed at the earliest possible point in a home’s plumbing, where mains water enters the building. They often have large tanks, require electrical input, include a bypass valve, and can span the length of an entire wall!

Using a whole-house filter means that every faucet inside a home benefits from filtration treatment. That’s why whole-house filters often include water conditioners, which benefit showers and laundry machines.

How much should whole-house water filters for well water cost?

The cost of whole-house water filters can vary widely, from around $50 for a sediment filter to upwards of $3,500 for a comprehensive system capable of handling toxic contaminants.

To make sure that you’re paying the right amount of money for your needs, test your well water to identify which filtration stages are relevant.

Consider your water usage—whether you need a more expensive system with storage tanks that increase its capacity, or a lower-cost filter that processes water on-demand.

It’s also important that you don’t underspend on a whole house filter, both for personal safety and to preserve the lifespan of your appliances. For example, it may cost more to purchase a dedicated iron filter alongside other components, but if iron is a significant contaminant in your well, then it’s likely to keep the rest of your system performing at a high standard for longer.

The approximate costs of a whole-house filter for well water breakdown as follows. Price ranges take into account device capacity and filter technology:

On top of the base price of a filter system, you should budget for the annual costs of replacement cartridges, maintenance, and upkeep of the well itself. Some filter types, such as UV purifiers, also need 24/7 mains electricity.

The good news is that the annual costs of running a well water filter are often less than the price of city water bills.

Finally, professional installation of your filter may need to be paid for, depending on the filter system and your own DIY skills. Labor costs can range between $250-750.

How do I install a whole house water filter for well water?

1. Choose an install location. The first step in installing a water filter is to select an easily accessible location. Look for a horizontal run following the main valve in the home (before water is sent to different rooms). If you can’t find a suitable spot, you can tee off a vertical section and mount the filter system there.

2. Make a cut in the water pipe. Hook up a hose to the drain valve to remove all the water in your (opening a faucet on an upper floor helps). Mark a section of pipe to be removed, following manufacturer instructions to make sure there’s enough space to accommodate the filter and any connecting fittings.

3. Solder copper conntections. It’s time to finish your installation after you’ve successfully fitted your system and installed bypass or shut-off valves. Solder can be used to join copper piping, or Teflon tape can be used to create a tight fit between plastic connections.

4. Check for leaks and flush the system. It’s likely that your new water filtration system will need a few hours to flush before it’s ready to filter your well water. During this time, carefully inspect all of the new connection points in your water line for leaks.

Why does my well water smell bad?

A common issue for well owners is water that produces nasty and distasteful smells. Causes of bad smells in well water are often due to contamination from bedrock, bacteria, or decaying plant matter that finds its way into the well.

In many of these cases, the substance responsible for causing the bad smell is sulfur. Sulfur can exist as sulfate in rock or sulfide gases that are produced when bacteria feed.

To reduce the level of sulfur in well water, there are several home solutions available. Filtering your water with a carbon filter or an air injection filter (such as is available in the SpringWell Ultra) should reduce both unwanted smells and sulfur levels.

For wells with significant sulfur bacteria contamination, chlorine, peroxide, or other chemical disinfection is often the way to go.

Normally, sulfur is not considered a dangerous well water contaminant. While it smells bad, it tends to only have negative health effects when present in very high concentrations.

Many people who regularly drink well water that contains sulfur build up a tolerance to the substance. Because of this, homeowners may be able to drink their water without issue, while guests may experience gastrointestinal upset.

Is iron in my well water dangerous?

Iron is one of the most common contaminants in well water. It’s present in large amounts in the soil around groundwater and can leach into water from corroded pipes.

Iron contamination gives water an orange, rust color, may cause an unpleasant metallic taste, and can even stain appliances and dishes.

Despite the taste and discoloration, however, iron contamination is not considered a health risk by the EPA. In small amounts, iron may actually impart health benefits.

To remove iron from well water, it helps to know what type of iron contamination you’re dealing with:

• If your well is contaminated with ferric iron, then a sediment filter can help to catch iron particulate as it passes through.
• If your well is contaminated with dissolved ferrous iron, then a KDF filter or air injection filter will convert iron into a non-dissolved form, with is then captured.
• If your well contains high levels of bacterial iron, then the best approach is usually to shock chlorinate your well with chemical disinfectants.

If you’re looking to reduce the amount of iron in your water supply, check out our review of iron filters below, or read our post on how to remove iron and get rid of brown well water.

Is groundwater more contaminated than other water sources?

As the USGS points out, the quality and safety of well water are highly dependent on the geography surrounding a well. There’s nothing to say that groundwater is inherently less safe than other water sources, but wells can be severely compromised by features in the local landscape.

It’s important to know your well depth, as the type of groundwater it can access determines how vulnerable your supply is to surface contamination.

Both natural events and human activity can affect the composition of groundwater:

• Sitting rain and snow-melt can accumulate microorganisms before seeping into wells
• Leaks from septic tanks and nearby roadways can introduce pathogens and chemicals.
• Heavy metals and solvents from industrial centers leach into the soil, which are swept into waterways.

While many of these contaminants can be worrying, the good news is that there are filter systems capable of removing every threat to your domestic well.