How To Fix Acidic Well Water?

To fix acidic well water, use a whole-home acid neutralizer with Calcite if your water's pH is above 6.0, and a Calcite-Corosex blend if your water's pH is below 6.0. Here's a comprehensive guide to fix acidic well water:

Step-by-Step Process to Fix Acidic Well Water

1. Test Your Water

• pH Testing: Acidic water typically has a pH of less than 7. Use a home testing kit or send a sample to a certified laboratory for precise results.
  
  

• Additional Tests: Check for other contaminants such as heavy metals (lead, copper, iron), which can be leached from pipes by acidic water​.

2. Identify the pH Level

• Mildly Acidic (pH 6.0 - 6.5): Slightly acidic water can cause minor corrosion and taste issues.
  
  
• Moderately Acidic (pH 5.5 - 6.0): More significant corrosion and potential health risks from metal leaching.
  
  
• Highly Acidic (pH below 5.5): Severe corrosion, strong metallic taste, and higher health risks​.

3. Choose a Treatment Method

• Neutralizing Filters (our preferred method):

  • Calcite Filters: Use filters containing Calcite (calcium carbonate) to raise the pH. Suitable for mildly acidic water.
  • Calcite-Corosex Filters: For more effective treatment, combine calcite with Corosex (magnesium oxide). This is useful for water with a lower pH as it neutralizes more effectively​.

• Soda Ash Injection Systems:

  • Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): Injecting a soda ash solution into the water can neutralize the acidity. This method is suitable for highly acidic water and provides precise control over pH levels.
    
    
  • Installation and Maintenance: These systems require a metering pump and regular monitoring to maintain the correct pH balance​.

• Chemical Feed Pumps:

  • Sodium Hydroxide: Another option is to use a chemical feed pump to inject sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) into the water. This method can handle extremely low pH levels but requires careful handling and monitoring​.

4. Install the Chosen System

• Professional Installation: While some homeowners may install simpler systems themselves, hiring a professional ensures proper setup and optimal performance.
  
  
• Location: Place the system where water enters your home to ensure all water is treated​.

5. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

• Replenish Media: For neutralizing filters, periodically replenish the Calcite or Corosex media to maintain effectiveness.
  
  
• Monitor pH Levels: Regularly test the water’s pH to ensure the system is working correctly and adjust settings as needed.
  
  
• System Checks: Regularly inspect and maintain the injection system or chemical feed pump to prevent malfunctions​.

6. Additional Considerations

• Add A Sediment Filter: Install a sediment filter to prevent clogging of neutralizing systems if your water contains other particulates.
  
  
• Add An Iron Filter: Iron filters are effective at remof your water has have iron iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, zinc, copper, lead, radium, and other heavy metals.
  
  
• Professional Help: Engage a certified water treatment specialist for regular maintenance and to address any issues promptly​.

By testing your water, selecting the appropriate treatment system, and maintaining it regularly, you can effectively neutralize acidic well water, protect your plumbing, and ensure safe, pleasant-tasting water for your household.