Ozone removes taste and odor problems in well water

Ozone use for well water treatment

Ozone can be very effective at treating well water for residential, commercial, or agricultural applications. Ozone is also commonly used for municipal water treatment, click here for information on ozone used for municipal water treatment.

Ozone implementation can be very simple, reliable and efficient. Ozone equipment is a one time cost with no salt, or other chemicals to buy. Only minor long term maintenance and electrical costs are incurred. Long term, ozone can be a more cost effective solution, while minimizing lugging of salt bags and chemicals!

When considering ozone for well water treatment keep in mind total water consumption in a day, but also peak water demand. Remember, ozone cannot be stored and must be produced as it is used. Therefore, the ozone generator must be sized based on peak water demand, not average water flow.

Also consider when sizing an ozone system for one application, like iron removal from water, that TOC in the water, while potentially not a primary concern, will need to be considered, as this TOC will also consume ozone and create ozone demand. Be ready to provide complete water quality data when trying to determine the size of ozone system for water treatment.

Every water is different. Also, each contaminate will require different ozone demand, and may require excess contact time, or filtration to remote contaminate. Below we outline considerations when trying to determine the right ozone system for your application. This is by no means a comprehensive list, for specific recommendations for your water, contact our ozone experts today!

Hydrogen Sulfide Oxidation:

Hydrogen Sulfide is found in well water where organics have broken down over time to form sulfides and hydrogen sulfides. H2S produces a foul odor and taste to the water. Some describe the odor as a “rotten egg” odor. Ozone can be used to efficiently, and safely remove H2S from water without the addition of any chemicals or salt.

Hydrogen Sulfide is oxidized easily by ozone into soluble Sulfite and Sulfate. Extra contact time of ozone with water will be required to ensure complete oxidation of H2S in water, however no filtration is required for H2S removal alone.

To oxidize H2S with ozone a working dosage rate of 4 ppm of ozone for every 1 ppm of H2S has been proven effective. A contact time with water up to 10 ppm may also be required for complete removal of H2S from water. This will be dependent upon incoming H2S levels in your water.

High levels of H2S in water will also foul resin beds of a water softener. Therefore, while the softener may remove some H2S from water for a while, this will not be along term solution. Another consideration is aeration of water to remove low levels of H2S. While a low cost solution, may increase the bacteria that formed sulfide to begin with and increase overall bacteria levels in the water system. Consider using ozone prior to a water softener to reduce H2S in water safely and provide water disinfection at the same time.

 

ozone water system for well water treatment
Example of a simple ozone system for oxidation of water where filtration is not required.  Click image for larger view.

Taste and Odor:

Well water and surface water may have taste and odor issues beyond the common H2S contamination. Iron, manganese, and other elemental metals in high levels can also cause taste and odor issues. Most commonly organics that are decomposing in the water source cause high bacteria, and other organics that will cause off odor or taste to your water.

Ozone will efficiently oxidize organics from water much the same as it will oxidize H2S from water. It will be helpful to ensure you have accurate water quality data to ensure ozone is an effective and complete solution to your taste and odor issues.

Why treat well water with ozone?

Water Disinfection:

Coliform bacteria or other pathogens maybe found in well water, especially when the well is shallow. These pathogens commonly cause the well to be unused, or used for non potable applications. Ozone can be used to kill bacteria and pathogens efficiently.

As ozone is an efficient disinfectant minimal contact time is required, therefore minimal equipment beyond the ozone generator, and ozone mixing equipment is required.

Ozone is non-selective and will destroy all pathogens in water. Unlike other chemical based solutions bacteria cannot become immune to the oxidation action of ozone. Also, using ozone will ensure residual chemicals are not added into your water supply.

Commonly when using ozone for water disinfection other benefits are realized. Ozone will enhance particulate removal and coagulation of minerals from your water, reducing the salt used in a water softener, or enhancing overall taste and odor of your water.

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Removal:

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is any compound containing the carbon atom that is not already fully oxidized. For example, CO2 would not be considered TOC.

TOC is found in most water sources in small amounts. High levels of TOC may be found in water containing microorganisms or other organic matter. Commonly TOC levels in surface water or shallow wells will change with the seasons, there may be spikes of high TOC levels during the spring or summer season.

Ozone can efficiently oxidize TOC into CO2 or other volatile or soluble carbonates. Only ozone in water and sufficient contact time is necessary for complete TOC removal from water. Ozone is a safe option, and a cost effective vs ongoing chemicals that are added to the water, or Activated Carbon (GAC) that will require replacement and maintenance.

Skid mounted ozone system with filtration and ozone generator
Ozone water treatment system with filtration

 

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