If you’ve looked into sediment filters, you know it’s all about the microns. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of micron filters specifically designed for well water filtration. I’ve scoured the market to bring you a handpicked selection of the seven best micron filters that excel in removing impurities, sediment, and contaminants from your well water supply.
From capturing fine sand particles to eliminating harmful bacteria, these water micron filters offer top-notch filtration performance, providing you with peace of mind and access to high-quality drinking water.
Whether you’re looking for a whole-house filtration system or a compact point-of-use solution, this list covers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Let’s find the perfect match for your well water purification needs and ensure that your family enjoys the purest water straight from the tap.
1. SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter System: 9.4/10
- The best micron water filter for well water
- Price: $2,204.09
The SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System effectively removes a wide range of contaminants commonly found in well water, including sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, and various other impurities.
Pros
The Springwell whole house filter system uses a spin-down sediment filter, a 1-micron mesh screen, and an air injection oxidation system to effectively trap sediment, such as sand, silt, and rust, that can cause sedimentation and potentially damage plumbing fixtures and appliances.
With a 1-micron rating, the mesh screen is effective at trapping sediment particles that are 1 micrometer or larger in size. This includes finer sand, silt, and other microscopic debris that may be present in well water. The air injection oxidation system removes 8 PPM (parts per million) of hydrogen sulfide, up to 7 PPM of iron, and 1 PPM of manganese.
One very convenient feature is the automatic backwashing function, which reverses the flow of water within the filtration system and flushes the captured contaminants and debris out of the system. This prevents clogging and prolongs the lifespan of the filtration media. It also ensures consistent performance by removing accumulated contaminants and debris.
Even better, you can initiate a manual regeneration system using your phone or tablet. This system is fitted with a Bluetooth head that allows you to not only manually configure the backwash feature but also monitor water usage data.
Cons
Just keep in mind that this is an expensive unit, and the initial cost may be higher compared to simpler water filters. Of course, it comes with an amazing lifetime warranty on the tank and valves, and a six-month money back guarantee. Also, the greensand filter has a lifespan of 18–25 years. So it’s pricey, but SpringWell stands by its design.
While installation can be relatively straightforward for those familiar with plumbing, you may need professional installation. Additionally, the system includes a large tank, so you’ll need sufficient space available to accommodate it.
The effectiveness of the SpringWell system depends on the quality of your well water. While it’s designed to handle common well water contaminants, contaminants vary from location to location. Fortunately, available upgrades, including a salt-based water softener and a reverse osmosis water filter, can help filter excess contaminants.
Overall
Despite the upfront cost, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits and savings from reduced maintenance and potential health-related costs. If you’re in the market for a comprehensive, convenient, and highly effective micron filter for your well water, buy the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Well Water Filter and stop worrying about your water.
If you’re seeking additional details, you can access my comprehensive review of the Springwell WS1 here.
2. Aquasana Rhino Whole House Water Filter with UV Filter: 8.8/10
- Best for microbe removal
- Price: $1,698
The Aquasana Rhino Well Water Filter with UV Filter System combines multiple filtration stages, including sediment filtration, activated carbon filtration, and UV disinfection, to provide thorough and effective purification of your well water.
Pros
The 5-micron pre-filter in the Aquasana Rhino effectively captures sand, silt, rust, and other particulate matter present in well water. These particles can cause cloudiness, discoloration, and potential clogging issues in plumbing fixtures and appliances. Larger suspended solids, including dirt, debris, and organic matter, can also be trapped by the pre-filter.
The 0.35-micron post-filter effectively captures smaller sediment and particles that may have passed through the previous filtration stages. This low micron rating also implies that the post-filter is capable of removing certain bacteria, larger viruses, and harmful microorganisms that can cause waterborne illnesses.
The UV filter stage utilizes ultraviolet light to disinfect the water by inactivating bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. This stage provides an extra layer of protection against waterborne pathogens, ensuring that the water is safe for consumption.
Cons
While the Aquasana Rhino filter for well water is effective at removing sediment, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, it may not be as efficient at removing certain other contaminants, such as heavy metals, fluoride, or dissolved solids. Because of the upfront cost, as well as installation, plumbing modifications, and maintenance, its filtration may not be sufficient.
Additionally, the filtration process, particularly the UV disinfection stage, can slightly reduce your water’s flow rate. While the impact is usually minimal, it’s important to consider the potential reduction in water pressure and adjust accordingly.
Overall
Despite its shortcomings, the Aquasana Rhino whole-house sediment filter is a decent and cheaper alternative to the SpringWell filtration system. Check it out here.
3. iSpring Spin Down Sediment Filters: 7.9/10
- Best pre-filter for sediment filtration
- Price: $46.27–$54.27
If you’re not ready to invest in a comprehensive filtration system, the iSpring WSP series line of spin-down sediment filters, essentially pre-filters, can remove sediment and larger particles from water sources.
Pros
The iSpring WSP series filters are highly effective at removing sediment and larger particles from water sources. They can capture sand, silt, rust, and other debris, preventing them from reaching downstream equipment, appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
The series offers different models with varying levels of filtration. The filters are available with mesh screens of different sizes, typically ranging from 50 to 1000 microns. This allows you to select the appropriate model based on the specific needs of your water source and the level of sediment you want to capture.
These sediment filters are constructed with durable stainless steel materials. This ensures their longevity and resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for various water conditions and environments. They’re designed for simple and straightforward installation and come with a set of fittings and adapters, making it easier to integrate them into existing plumbing systems.
Due to the different micron ratings available, the iSpring WSP series is highly versatile and can be used in various applications, including well water systems, municipal water supplies, irrigation systems, and other water sources that may contain sediment or larger particles.
Cons
However, while the iSpring WSP series filters excel at removing larger sediment particles, they do not effectively filter smaller contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, or viruses. They also require periodic maintenance and replacements to ensure optimal performance.
Overall
Overall, despite these few limitations, iSpring spin-down sediment filters can effectively filter sediment in well water, improving water quality and protecting downstream equipment. You should have your well water quality tested to find the right micron rating for your spin down filter.
If your well water has high sediment levels and you’re looking for an affordable pre-filtration option, iSpring WSP spin-down sediment filters will do the job.
4. Culligan Whole House Heavy Duty Filtration System
Culligan’s heavy-duty water filtration system is another affordable unit capable of handling large volumes of water. It’s ideal for households with high water usage or where water quality issues are a concern, but its filtration is limited to large sediment particles.
One significant benefit of this system is that you can choose the type of filtration required to match the water quality in your house. Culligan’s cartridge filter range includes a variety of depth and surface filters with micron ratings ranging from 1 to 30.
The system is designed for easy installation and maintenance. It often comes with a DIY installation kit and detailed instructions, making it accessible for users to set up themselves. Filter replacements are typically straightforward, requiring no special tools or complicated procedures.
Culligan products, including the WH-HD200-C system, are usually tested and certified by independent third-party organizations to ensure their performance and compliance with industry standards. The system has a maximum flow rate of 10 GPM and a rated water pressure of 100 psi. A battery-operated timer alerts you when it’s time to change the filters.
Despite the high filtration rate of the available micron filters, these filters are not reusable and have a short lifespan. They only last for around two to three months, depending on your water quality.
Also, installation is a hassle. Since the filter housings have 1” ports, you might need to buy reducers for each port if your plumbing uses ¾” pipes. And the installation kit includes limited mounting accessories, according to online reviews.
5. Applied Membranes Inc. Big Blue 3-Stage Whole House Water Filter System
The AMI Big Blue water filter is specifically designed to remove heavy metals from well water.
The system incorporates three stages of filtration to effectively remove various contaminants from your water.
The stages typically include a 5-micron rating sediment filter, carbon-block filter with advanced chemical absorption (removes VOCs, pesticides, and herbicides,), and a final heavy metal removal filter that removes water-soluble lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved metals from well water.
The system is often equipped with large-sized filter housings, commonly referred to as “Big Blue” housings. These larger housings allow for higher flow rates and extended filter capacity, making the system suitable for homes with higher water demands.
While the system provides customization for the third stage to target specific contaminants, it may have limitations in addressing certain complex contaminants that require specialized filtration technologies. Despite its decent performance during my test run, I couldn’t find enough customer reviews to give it a higher ranking.
6. SimPure 40/200 Micron Rating Spin Down Sediment Water Filter
The SimPure 40/200 Micron Spin-Down Sediment Filter is designed to remove sediment, debris, and particulate matter from water sources.
These ratings indicate the filter’s ability to capture particles of a specific size. The 40-micron filter offers finer filtration and is capable of trapping smaller particles, while the 200-micron filter provides slightly coarse filtration.
The filter features a spin-down design, which allows for easy maintenance and cleaning. As water flows through the filter, sediment and particles are captured by the screen. The clear housing of the filter allows you to visually inspect the accumulated sediment and determine when cleaning or flushing is required.
While the 40 and 200 micron water filter cartridges effectively remove larger sediment and debris, they won’t capture smaller particles or finer sediments. Depending on your water quality and usage, sediment buildup may occur more frequently, necessitating more frequent cleaning. Some customers have also complained about leaks, the efficacy of the filters, and build quality.
7. Aquaboon 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System
The Aquaboon system utilizes a three-stage filtration process to effectively remove various contaminants from your water supply. The stages typically include a sediment filter, an activated-carbon block filter, and a KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filter.
The 5-micron sediment filter is the first stage of the filtration process and is designed to remove larger particles such as sand, silt, rust, and sediment. The second stage features a 5-micron activated-carbon block filter. This filter is effective at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and unpleasant odors and tastes from the water.
The third stage of the Aquaboon system incorporates a KDF filter. KDF media consists of a high-purity copper-zinc formulation that helps remove heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, from the water.
Some customers, however, have lamented the poor build quality of the filter cartridges, and customer support wasn’t forthcoming with any assistance with the issue. The filter threads are also not well tapered, which leads to leaks.
Bottom Line
When it comes to ensuring clean and safe drinking water in homes supplied by well water, the SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System stands out as the premier choice.
It has a 100-micron sediment filter that is designed to remove large sediment particles from well water, a 1-micron mesh screen that traps contaminants that are 1 micrometer or larger in size, and an air oxidation system that removes iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, and other chemicals in well water.
Its automatic backwashing feature ensures optimal performance and longevity of the filtration system. Coupled with Bluetooth handsfree monitoring, this feature makes sure that the SpringWell WS1 is virtually maintenance free.
If you need a comprehensive well water filter that will provide clean and healthy drinking water to your household, look no further than the SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System.
The Best Micron Filter System for Well Water: Review Methodology
In this section, I explain in detail the process I went through to review these seven water filters for well water.
Step 1: A big list of all available products
Because I was starting from scratch, I needed to know the major players in the water filtration sector. This included developing a comprehensive list of reputable companies in the sector.
I spent hours searching Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, and Costco for the best-selling brands of well water filters with different micron ratings. I also spoke with a few water treatment dealers to broaden the scope of my investigation. I ended up with a list of 25 distinct models.
Step 2: Online Reviews
The second step was to look at customer reviews for the most popular well water filter products in the United States. This comprised filters of various micron ratings and types, such as spin-down sediment filters, KDF filters, and activated-carbon filters.
It goes without saying that examining customer sentiment is essential if you want to know how a product is faring in the market. So I spent hours browsing websites like Consumer Affairs, Amazon, Angi, and manufacturer websites, among others. Finally, I was able to narrow the selection down to 15 credible models.
Step 3: Product/service analysis
In order to have a better knowledge of the qualities to search for, I needed to ask myself crucial questions about the items I was evaluating. These are some of the questions:
- What are the micron ratings for well water filter media?
- What is the difference between an adaptable sediment filter and a spin down filter?
- What size micron filter is best for well water filtration?
- Which are the best sediment filters for well water?
- Does the water filter micron rating affect water pressure?
- Is a carbon pre-filter better than a spin down filter?
Any water filtration system that did not meet at least 80% of the requirements on my stringent checklist was booted from the list.
Step 4: Speaking with real customers
Armed with my list of trusted micron filters at hand, it was time to call customers and inquire about their experiences. So, with the help of my spouse and a few friends, we devised a 10-mile radius questionnaire survey. I also sought professional guidance from a number of water treatment retailers. It was a costly and arduous endeavor, but it paid off in the end.
Step 5: Interviews with manufacturers
I needed to know if there were any third-party certifications or independent tests that were run to approve these well water filters. Therefore, I sent an email to each manufacturer and asked for proof of certification for the specific models on my list. After an entire week, only a few of them had returned my email. For those who didn’t, I removed their models from my list.
Step 6: Test drives
It was time to test these micron water filters based on the quality of the water they generated.
I contacted multiple water treatment dealers in my locality and asked if they could provide several units for testing. Despite a few negative responses, one dealer agreed to furnish all seven systems on the condition that its technicians be there for the whole testing period.
So I leased a warehouse for a week, hired two enormous water bowsers full of well water, and started testing.
Step 7: Ratings
For the last step, I needed to develop a rating list based on the following qualities:
- Micron filter size
- Replacement filter availability
- Filter material used
- Water pressure
- Affordability
- Warranty period
- After-sales service and customer support
- Contaminant removal efficiency
- Filter lifespan
- Warranty coverage
Final Thoughts
After a month-long investigation into the seven best micron filters for well water, the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Water Filter emerged as the clear winner.
At the heart of the SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System lies its remarkable filtration stages. The system begins with a robust 100-micron sediment filter, which effectively captures sediment, rust, and other large particles. It is followed by a precise 1-micron mesh screen that provides finer filtration, targeting smaller contaminants for superior water clarity and purity. Lastly, it incorporates an air oxidation system, effectively reducing iron, manganese, and sulfur compounds that can cause staining, odor, and taste issues in well water.
The SpringWell WS1 also has an automatic backwashing feature, ensuring convenient and efficient maintenance by automatically flushing out accumulated sediment and maintaining optimal filter performance.
The system is backed by a lifetime warranty on the tank and valves and a six-month money-back guarantee. By investing in the SpringWell WS1 Whole House Water Filter, you can have complete confidence in the reliability, efficiency, and exceptional micron-level filtration provided for your well water supply.
If you’re keen on finding various filters for your well water, we’ve got you covered! Take a look at these reviews for the top well water filters:
