Category hub
Well water filtration systems
Well water usually brings several problems that travel together. This is the map: figure out what's in your water, then jump to the type of system that treats it. Every recommendation traces back to a specific contaminant your water test found.
What's actually in your water
You notice
Likely cause
Recommended fix
Browse by system type
Each links to a full buyer's guide with ranked picks.
Water softeners
Salt-based and salt-free systems for scale and spots.
6 picks →
Rust stains
Iron filters
Air-injection and oxidizing filters for ferrous iron.
5 picks →
Odor
Sulfur / odor
Removing the rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide.
4 picks →
Cloudy water
Sediment filters
Spin-down and cartridge filters for sand and grit.
4 picks →
Nitrate / arsenic
Reverse osmosis
Point-of-use RO for the toughest dissolved contaminants.
6 picks →
Testing
Test your water
What to test for, and DIY strips vs. certified lab kits.
Start here →How the types compare
| Spec | Softener | Iron filter | Reverse osmosis | UV purifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treats | Hardness | Iron, manganese | Nitrate, arsenic, TDS | Bacteria, viruses |
| Scope | Whole house | Whole house | Point of use | Whole house |
| Typical cost | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$ |
Softener
Treats Hardness
Scope Whole house
Typical cost $$$
Iron filter
Treats Iron, manganese
Scope Whole house
Typical cost $$$
Reverse osmosis
Treats Nitrate, arsenic, TDS
Scope Point of use
Typical cost $$
UV purifier
Treats Bacteria, viruses
Scope Whole house
Typical cost $$