Aren’t you tired of the weird metallic taste of your well water or the unwanted stains that ruin your kitchen and bathroom areas?
Iron contamination is the real reason for all these problems, and iron removal filters are their ultimate solution.
We’ve tested 17+ iron water filters and have narrowed it down to this list of five best well water iron filter systems based on crucial parameters like iron removal capacity, water flow rate and warranty period.
So without further delay, let’s get started:
Best Water Filter for Iron in Well Water: Smart Preview
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. SpringWell Whole House Water Filtration System
| See OfferFull Review>>> |
 | 2. Pentair Iron & Manganese Whole House Water Filtration Systems
| See OfferFull Review>>> |
 | 3. Crystal Quest Iron Whole House Water Filter System
| See OfferFull Review>>> |
 | 4. US Water Systems Matrixx inFusion Iron and Sulfur Removal Whole House Water Filters
| See OfferFull Review>>> |
 | 5. SpringWell SS Salt-Based Water Softener System
| See OfferFull Review>>> |
Here's How We Test Products At Aquaprofessor
- Best Water Filter for Iron in Well Water: Smart Preview
- ✅ How Does Iron Get Into Your Well Water & Why It’s Bad: The Basics
- Do Not Choose Your Best Water Filter for Iron Before Reading This
- 5 Best Iron Removal System for Well Water — Expert Comparison and Detailed Reviews
- Are Iron Filters Worth It?
- ⭐ Types of Iron in Well Water (and Filter Type That Removes Them)
- Got More Questions On The Best Iron Filter for Well Water?
✅ How Does Iron Get Into Your Well Water & Why It’s Bad: The Basics
Wells are designed in a way to utilize the water that is present underneath the ground, i.e., groundwater. Some also get their water from collecting rainwater or surface water stored in wells during the monsoon.
Lately, well water has become one of the significant sources of water supply to households, with about 15% of the population getting their water supply from it. But well waters are much vulnerable to iron contamination as they get their water either from the underground or the surface water that comes down along rivers and rains.
Since iron is the second most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, it quickly gets added to and contaminates water sources. While the water from rivers and other sources comes down, it gets in contact with rocks. From these rocks, the waters take up iron minerals along the way.
This iron-containing water with other water minerals then flows down, and some of it directly goes to the wells, and the remaining gets added to the underground water, which again is supplied to the wells. This way, well water gets contaminated with iron impurities.
The presence of iron over 0.3 mg/L in well water leads to stained fixtures, pipeline blockages, and skin conditions like irritation, acne, and brittle and dry hair, among many other troubles.
Here’s how you can remove iron from well water naturally!
What Makes the Presence of Iron So Bad?
Further Reading: Iron In Well Water Government Guide
Do Not Choose Your Best Water Filter for Iron Before Reading This
Do you know which type of iron filter is the best for your well water? You need a guide that can give you an account of all the factors that play a role in determining which filter will suit you the best.
Lucky for you, we are here with precisely that. In this section, we have mentioned all the major factors you must consider before investing in an iron water filter.
Well, why wait any longer? Let’s talk business:
1️⃣ Water Quality
It is crucial to first assess your water quality. What exactly is the problem? What kind of contamination is the leading cause?
Find out the level of iron contamination in your water. If it is more than 0.3 ppm of iron, it will significantly affect your drinking water quality. You will require specialized iron reduction systems like an air injection oxidizing system to deal with it.
Don’t forget to consider the pH of your water as well. Any water source with a pH lower than 7 might damage your house filter system and make it ineffective.
2️⃣ Filter Capacity
The filter capacity is the next thing to keep in mind. How much water can the filter treat on a minute-by-minute basis? There are filters available in the market with a variety of capacities.
Most filters are designed to supply water to a two-bathroom house. There are filters available that can serve houses with up to 6 bathrooms. If you enjoy taking long showers, you should get a filter with a high capacity.
Filters with less capacity may cause a drop in water pressure. It is always better to get a filter that has a large capacity.
Also Read: 5 Signs To Know If Your Well Is Running Dry
3️⃣ Filter longevity
Usually, whole house iron filters have a lifespan of up to 10 years. They may require you to change the individual filter cartridge every 6 months.
There is a greensand type of water iron filter available with different filter media; they don’t require much frequent changing and easily last up to 6-8 years.
4️⃣ Installation and Maintenance Requirements
Whole house filters require you to install them at the point of entry of the water supply at your house. Anyone can do this with knowledge of plumbing and the system’s workings. It does require you to cut the pipeline and install a valve that everyone might not be comfortable with.
There’s always the option to call in a plumber but keep in mind that it will cost you around $200.
Installation usually takes about one or two hours. Maintenance requirements of iron filters include changing the filter cartridge as needed, regular cleaning and ensuring everything is well-connected, no leakages, etc.
Note:
Usually, it is recommended to invest in a filter that brings with it ease of installation and low maintenance requirements.
5️⃣ Warranty
You do not want to be stuck with a damaged filter, do you? No. The filter needs to come with a warranty. A whole house water filter usually has a warranty of about 10-12 years, excluding filter cartridges.
Iron water filters come with a minimum 2-3 year warranty. Water softeners also have about a 10-year warranty on the tank and other parts and a 1-3 year warranty on the filter and bypass valve.
These are the 5 major considerations to keep in mind before investing in any iron water filter. We did our homework so that you won’t have to, researched and analyzed about 17+ whole house filter systems keeping in mind the above-listed considerations, and finally narrowed it down to the Top 5 whole house filter systems that will resolve all your well water problems.
5 Best Iron Removal System for Well Water — Expert Comparison and Detailed Reviews
No one likes to blindly invest in something as major as a water filter that will impact the water quality, right?
You need a detailed comparison and relative analysis among the many options available in the market for water filters to choose which would fit your situation the best. And that is what we are here for. Here we have given a tabular analysis of all the top 5 water filters to provide you with the answers you seek.
| Filter | Max. Iron Removal Level | pH Range | Flow Rate | Types of Iron Filter | Warranty Period |
| SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System | Can treat water with up to 7 ppm iron contamination | Works on a pH range between 6.5-10 | Smaller versions have a flow rate of about 12 gallons per minute, and larger ones work up to 20 gallons per minute | Greensand type of iron filter | 6 months of the no-risk satisfaction guarantee period and a lifetime warranty on some parts of the filter |
| Pentair Iron & Manganese whole house Filtration System | Works with 10 ppm of iron contamination in water | Best works on pH 7 | WF4 can provide a flow rate of around 10 gallons per minute. WF8 can provide a flow rate of around 15 gallons per minute. | Greensand plus type of iron filter | 90-day satisfaction guarantee period along with a 7-year warranty on the greensand plus filter |
| Crystal Quest Whole House Iron Water Filter | Can tackle water with up to 12 ppm iron contamination | The working pH range for this filter is between 6.5-8.5 | Can provide water at a flow rate of up to 9-11 gallons per minute | Gluconate greensand iron water filter | The system comes with a one-year warranty period |
| US Water Systems Matrixx inFusion Iron and Sulfur Removal System | Can work on the water with iron levels of about 7 ppm | Works effectively on the water with pH levels from 6 to 9 | The water flow rate ranges between 10 to 25 gallons per minute depending upon the size of the system and the Households’ need | Hydrogen peroxide + carbon block filter | Lifetime warranty on the filter tank along with a 10-year warranty on the bypass valve |
| SpringWell SS Salt-Based Water Softener Systems | Can handle only 3 ppm of iron in the water | Best works on neutral pH i.e., 7 | The flow rate ranges from 11 to 20 gallons per minute | Water softener | 6 months of the risk-free satisfaction guarantee period and added lifetime warranty |
The table above gives an excellent comparative analysis of our best water iron filters for well water. It’s time for us to discuss these filters in detail and know which suits us best.
SpringWell WS: Best Whole House Iron Filter for Well Water
SpringWell WS: Pros
Considering all the factors that weigh in, SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter Systems are the best choice to treat well water with medium levels of iron contamination (i.e., about 7 ppm). You’ll be happy to know that SpringWell WS is NSF Certified.
This whole house water iron filter has several filtration stages that ensure the water that gets to you is healthy. Springwell SS water filter for iron removal contains greensand iron water filter, which acts as an oxidizer and a physical barrier that traps the insoluble iron particles.
Along with significant amounts of iron impurities, the Springwell SS water filter effectively reduces and eliminates other common contaminants like sulfur, manganese, radium, etc.
Working:
Springwell SS whole house iron filter system works by creating a compressed air bubble at the top of the tank by a specialized air injection oxidizing system for iron filtration. Due to this, the dissolved ferric and ferrous ions are oxidized. These oxidized ions become insoluble particles of iron and are easily filtered out.
Springwell SS iron removal water filters are available in two sizes. The smaller one can supply a house with 1-3 bathrooms. The larger one has better capacity and can also supply a house with 4+ bathrooms.
Springwell SS water filters for iron removal come with a bypass valve and a DIY installation guide to help you set up the filtration system. The iron filtration system requires regular replenishing and backwash cycles of the media filter bed. Both these are done automatically, which makes it very user-friendly.
You Are In Good Luck!
SpringWell SS water filter comes with a 6-month risk-free satisfaction guarantee and a lifetime warranty on the tank, filter media, and some fittings. It works best for households where the water supply contains about 7 ppm iron from water.
The Springwell SS Filter for Iron Removal is designed to provide the house with water flow rates ranging from 12 gallons per minute by the smaller filter versions and up to 20 gallons per minute of water by the larger versions.
SpringWell WS: Cons
The only downside of the Springwell SS iron filter is that it uses plastic instead of metal fittings.
Pentair Iron & Manganese Filtration System: Best Filter for Iron Bacteria Well Water
Pentair Whole House Filtration System: Pros
If you’re facing problems due to the buildup of iron bacteria, this might just be the best iron filter system for you. Pelican iron and manganese whole house filtration systems (coupled with their retention tank) are one of the finest filters available to resolve bacterial iron contamination in well water.
They have been certified by NSF and are indeed one of the most effective methods of dealing with iron-contaminated water.
The pelican water filters come in two sizes: The WF4 has a filter capacity that can provide a flow rate of about 10 gallons per minute to 1-2 bathroom households. The WF8 filter can provide a water flow rate of 15 gallons per minute that can be suitable for houses with 4-5 bathrooms.
Maintenance:
Maintenance requirements include changing the sediment filter every 6 months and the injector pump every 6-12 months. The greensand plus filter comes with a warranty of about 7 years. The rest of the filter come with a lifetime warranty.
Pentair Whole House Filtration System: Cons
The only downside of Pentair iron and manganese water filter is that some people found the chemical feed too noisy.
Here’s Our Takeaway
The Pentair iron and manganese water filter is one of the best choices to deal with the problem of bacterial iron contamination in your well water.
Crystal Quest Iron: Best Filter for Iron in Well Water
Crystal Quest Whole House Filtration Systems: Pros
If your water has very high iron levels (i.e., more than 12 ppm), this is exactly what you need. Crystal Quest filters are NSF Certified and comprise a glauconite greensand filter that helps remove hydrogen sulfide and manganese from well water.
There’s also a copper-zinc alloy that helps prevent the buildup of iron bacteria during filtration. High iron levels in the water will lead to high sediment content, requiring you to have a pre-filter.
For this reason, a 5-micron sediment filter is used as the pre-filter, and a coconut carbon filter acts as the post-filter.
This filter is also available in two sizes:
It is available in fiberglass and stainless steel casings for better longevity and an attractive appearance.
The installation is easy, and credit goes to the detailed DIY Installation instruction manual that comes with the product. Maintenance includes regular backwash cycles and changing of the sediment filter.
Money-Back Guarantee
Crystal Quest offers its customers a performance guarantee or money-back scheme. This is really a plus point. A one-year warranty covers the entire system.
Crystal Quest Whole House Filtration Systems: Cons
One major downside to this is that it is a little too expensive. If you’re on a budget, you might not exactly be up for investing in Crystal Quest.
US Water Systems Matrixx inFusion: The Hero for Iron Bacteria:
US Water Iron & Sulfur Removal Whole House Systems: Pros
Matrixx inFusion filter system uses hydrogen peroxide and a carbon filtration stage that can eliminate every iron, manganese, or sulfur problem for good. This is the right iron filter for you if the problem you’re facing is high iron and sulfur levels in the water, leading to the buildup of iron bacteria.
Hydrogen peroxide is injected into the water, and any sort of iron, sulfur, and manganese impurity is instantly oxidized and turned into insoluble particles and other forms. The carbon filter then comes into play, removes all these impurities from water, and provides a contamination-free healthy water supply.
The treatment process also helps neutralize the unpleasant smell of water (mainly caused by the presence of sulfur bacteria). The biggest plus point of this process is that there are no byproducts. The hydrogen peroxide gets converted into water and oxygen only.
Matrixx inFusion filter helps in protecting all plumbing fixtures from damage. Regular backwash helps rinse all the common contaminants from filter media as well. This step helps prolong the life of the filter.
Lots Of Options!
The Matrixx inFusion filter comes in 4 sizes: 10 GPM for 1-3 bathroom houses, 15 GPM for 3-4 bathroom houses, 20 GPM for those with 4-6 bathrooms, and 25 GPM filter for houses with 7+ bathrooms.
The Matrixx inFusion Iron and Sulfur filter is NSF-approved. Matrixx inFusion filter comes with a built-in bypass, step-by-step installation instructions, and a detailed guide for easy installation for the user.
The Matrixx inFusion filter requires no additional maintenance besides refilling the peroxide tank. The Matrixx inFusion filter system has a lifetime warranty on the tank, a 10-year warranty for the bypass valve, and a 5-year warranty on the chemical feed pump injector panel.
US Water Iron & Sulfur Removal Whole House Systems: Cons
The major downside of this filter is that its upkeep will cost you about $200-$400 annually.
SpringWell SS Salt Based Water Softener System: The Low Iron Concentration Expert
SpringWell SS: Pros
If your problem is primarily the hardness of water and some levels of iron contamination (up to 3 ppm), SpringWell SS Water softener is your go-to solution. The NSF certified Springwell WS Salt Based Water Softener Systems are known for their brilliant performance in reducing and resolving water hardness problems.
Springwell WS Salt Based Water softener Systems come in 3 different sizes:
This water softener system provides a separate brine tank design and a neoprene tank jacket that provides protection and insulation. Since it is a water softener system, it is relatively easier to install than other water filters. The detailed step-by-step installation instructions and built-in bypass make the installation process even smoother and more effective.
SpringWell Gives You More!
Along with iron, SpringWell WS softener can also remove up to 1 ppm of manganese. The entire system is covered with a 6-month risk-free guarantee and a lifetime warranty on most parts, including the brine tank and neoprene jacket.
SpringWell SS: Cons
The only disadvantage is that SpringWell SS costs slightly more than average softener systems.
Are Iron Filters Worth It?
We’ve talked a lot about iron filters by now. Let’s get to the main question: are they even worth investing in? Let’s weigh out the pros and cons of iron filters and find the answer.
✔ Iron Filter for Well Water: Pros
❌Iron Filter for Well Water: Cons
Even though installing the whole house iron filters may be a bit of work, they are indeed something worth investing in. They help improve the water quality to a great extent by resolving all iron-related troubles.
Should You Use Iron Filters With Softeners?
Sometimes, it is best to use a water softener along with iron filters, especially when dealing with water that might have organic iron impurities. A Water softener works by the ion-exchange method and helps remove unwanted amounts of iron and other impurities from water. Water softeners with iron filters ensure maximum removal of iron contamination from water.
Also Read: Pros and Cons Of Using Well Water Supply
⭐ Types of Iron in Well Water (and Filter Type That Removes Them)
There are quite a few kinds of iron that can be found in well water and contaminate it. Let’s discuss what these are and how you can tackle them.
1️⃣ Ferrous Iron
Ferrous iron is also sometimes called clear water iron. The reason behind this is that the water coming out of the faucet appears to be clear. If left standing in a bowl or container for a while, the water will turn reddish-brown.
The best treatment for ferrous iron contamination in water is the manganese greensand filter type. It effectively treats water with up to 10-15 mg/L of iron contamination in water.
Although some might use water softener to treat ferrous iron-contaminated water, a greensand manganese water filter is much more effective to remove ferrous iron from the water.
2️⃣ Ferric Iron
Ferric iron is also commonly known as red water iron. It causes water pigmentation, and the water from the faucets is red or yellow. Identifying ferric iron impurities is very easy due to this characteristic.
To remove ferric iron impurities, a manganese greensand filter is the best option. Apart from manganese greensand filters, you can opt for sediment filter, carbon block filter, or water softener.
3️⃣ Organic Iron
Water contaminated by organic iron may appear red, yellow, or colorless. Organic iron impurities are usually found in shallow wells or wells filled with surface water.
Reverse osmosis or distillation are the effective methods of treatment in this case. Organic iron prevents or slows oxidation, making water softeners and most iron filters a little less effective in treating the issue.
Chemical oxidation followed by iron filtration can also be a good treatment of choice to help remove organic iron impurities.
Also Read: Iron In Drinking Water
Got More Questions On The Best Iron Filter for Well Water?
1. What is an iron filter, and how does it work?
Whole House Iron Water filters are specially designed to resolve iron contamination issues in your water supply. The filters contain a media tank that has a naturally oxidizing agent. This agent oxidizes the soluble ferric and ferrous (iron) impurities and converts them into insoluble particles of iron. These insoluble particles are then easily removed by the filter.
2. How long does an iron filter last?
Iron filters last up to 6-8 years because they use oxidizing media like chlorine and other media beds instead of filter cartridges that need replacement every 6 months.
3. Can a water softener remove iron from well water?
No, water softeners efficiently remove impurities like calcium and magnesium through ion exchange. Still, when it comes to iron contamination or traces of insoluble iron in water, water softeners alone fail to work effectively.
4. What are considered high iron levels in well water?
Water with an iron concentration of 0.3 mg/L is considered high in well water.
5. How can I tell if there is iron in my water?
If your water has a rusty smell or your toilets and sinks have reddish-brown stains, your water is contaminated with iron which you need to address quickly.
Adarsh is a Health & Nutrition Sciences graduate with expertise in environmental health. He is associated with ventures like Glacier Fresh Filter and Simpure Filter Systems. Through Aqua Professor, he intends to provide helpful information to every home to help them make smarter decisions.
