What we test for on a well
The in-home test covers hardness, iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide (the rotten egg smell), pH, total dissolved solids, and turbidity. When results suggest it, we also send samples for bacteria and nitrate testing. Test results drive the design. A well pulling water with heavy iron needs a very different setup from a well with a bacterial issue.
Typical stages for a Collin County well
A common well treatment train starts with a sediment or spin-down filter to remove grit from the pump, moves through an iron and sulfur removal stage, then a softener for hardness, followed by a carbon tank to polish taste and odor. Homes with any risk of bacterial contamination add a UV lamp at the end so every gallon leaving the treatment room is disinfected. An under-sink RO handles drinking and cooking water.
Well pumps, pressure tanks, and space
Treatment equipment lives after the pressure tank. If the pressure tank is undersized or the pump is short-cycling, the installer will flag it before recommending equipment, because a treatment system built on top of a failing pump has a short life. Plan for a treatment room with a floor drain, an outlet, and a few feet of clear wall space.
Testing cadence
We recommend a fresh water test at least once a year, and any time you notice a change in taste, color, or pressure. If the well was drilled recently or the property has agricultural neighbors, more frequent bacteria and nitrate testing is worth the peace of mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is my well water tested by the city?+
No. Private wells are not regulated by the EPA or the city. The homeowner is responsible for testing and treatment, which is why an in-home test is the right starting point.
How long does a well treatment install take?+
Most residential well treatment installs are completed in a day. Larger systems with iron removal and UV can extend to a second day if plumbing changes are needed.
Do I need UV disinfection?+
If bacteria are detected or if the well is shallow, near livestock, or older, UV is a strong safeguard. The test results will make the recommendation clear.
Related services
- Water SoftenersIon-exchange softeners that remove the calcium and magnesium behind hard water damage.
- Iron and Sulfur RemovalOxidizing filters that pull iron staining and hydrogen sulfide odor out of well water.
- UV Water PurificationUltraviolet disinfection that inactivates bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals.