Many homeowners have wells on their property, but they don’t know how to properly treat the water before drinking it. One way to help improve the quality of your well water is by using ozone. Read on to learn more about ozone and its benefits for well water treatment!

Ozone may help to eliminate contaminants from well water. Residential, commercial, and agricultural applications all benefit from ozonation.

The costs of installing and maintaining an ozone system are relatively low. The initial investment for an ozonation system is extremely modest; there are no salts or other chemicals to purchase. Only little long-term maintenance and electrical expenditures are needed. Longer term, ozonation may be a more cost-effective option while reducing transport of salt bags and chemicals!

Keep in mind that total water usage throughout the day, as well as peak water demand, when considering ozone for well water treatment. Ozone cannot be stored and must be generated as needed, so the size of the ozone generator should be based on peak water demand rather than average flow.

When sizing an ozone system for a one-time application, like iron removal from water, be sure to take the Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in the water into account; while this TOC isn’t necessarily a major concern, it will require O3 and create O3 demand.

Each contaminant will need a different amount of ozone, and it may be necessary to increase contact time or filter out remote contaminants. When attempting to determine the correct type of ozone machine for your application, keep the following points in mind:

Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation

Hydrogen sulfide is generated when organics decompose over time in well water, forming sulfides and hydrogen sulfides. The water acquires a foul odor and flavor due to H2S. Some people describe the stench as a “rotten egg” odor. Ozone may be used to efficiently and safely remove H2S from water without the use of any chemicals or salt.

When exposed to air, hydrogen sulfide is easily oxidized into soluble sulfite and sulfate by ozone. To guarantee thorough oxidation of H2S in water, additional contact time with ozone should be used, but no filtration is necessary alone.

A working dosage rate of 4 ppm of ozone for each 1 ppm of H2S has been verified to oxidize H2S. For complete removal of H2S from water, a contact time with water up to 10 ppm may be required. This will be determined by the amount of incoming H2S in your water.

High acidity levels in water can also foul resin beds in a water softener. As a result, while the softener may remove H2S from water for a time, it is not a long-term solution. Another factor to consider is the aeration of water to get rid of low concentrations of H2S. While a low-cost solution, it may induce additional bacteria to form sulfide in the water system and raise overall bacterial levels. Prior to installing a water softener, consider using ozonation to safely reduce H2S in water while also providing water disinfection.

Taste and Odor

Beyond the typical H2S pollution, mineral water and surface water may have flavor and odor concerns. In significant amounts, iron, manganese, and other elemental metals can produce a bad taste or odor. Bacteria are often present in high quantities due to decaying organics in the water source, as well as other chemicals that will give your water an unpleasant or strange odor or taste.

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent and works in the same way as it does on other pollutants. It will efficiently destroy organics from water, just like it would from H2S. To ensure that ozone is a successful and thorough solution to your taste and odor concerns, make sure you have up-to-date water quality data.

Water Disinfection

The presence of coliform bacteria or other dangers in well water, especially if the well is shallow. These pathogens typically cause the well to be shut off or used for non-potable purposes. Ozone may be used to efficiently destroy germs and infections.

Because ozone is a potent disinfectant, little physical contact is required, therefore only minimal equipment beyond the ozone generator and mixing equipment are necessary.

According to the EPA, ozone is a gas that destroys any microorganisms in water. Bacteria are unable to develop immunity against the oxidation effect of ozone, unlike with other chemical treatments. Furthermore, by using ozonation, you can ensure that no additional chemicals are put into your drinking water.

Ozone has a number of advantages when used to disinfect water. Ozone will improve the removal of particles and minerals from your water, resulting in fewer salts required in a water softener or improved overall taste and odor of your water.

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Removal

Any compound containing the carbon atom that is not already completely oxidized is considered to be in a form of organic carbon (TOC). CO2, for example, would not be classified as TOC.

In most water sources, TOX is present in minute quantities. Water with microorganisms or other organic matter may contain high levels of TOC. During the spring or summer, when weather conditions change, TOC levels in surface water and shallow wells are known to fluctuate significantly.

Ozone can effectively oxidize TOC into CO2 or other volatile or soluble carbonates. Only water with ozone and enough contact time is necessary for complete TOC removal. Ozone is a safe, effective, and cost-effective alternative to continuous chemical additions to the water or Activated Carbon (GAC), which will have to be replaced and maintained over time.

Bottom Line

Ozonation is a process that has been used for many years to improve the taste and quality of drinking water. It is an effective way to remove contaminants and microorganisms from well water, and it can also help to reduce the amount of chlorine that is needed for disinfection. If you are looking for a safe and affordable way to treat your well water, ozonation may be the solution for you.

Read more about different ozone applications here.