Acid Water Treatment

Acidic well water may require pH adjustment to reduce its corrosiveness. Treatment should be selected from a water analysis and the requirements of the intended use. Raising pH alone does not establish that water is safe to drink.

Where does the acidity of well water come from?

Dissolved carbon dioxide can contribute to the acidity of groundwater. Other factors may also affect pH, so the cause and treatment needs should be assessed from the water analysis.

Do I need to dose liquid chemicals?

One treatment option passes the water through a bed of media containing calcium carbonate. The media dissolves as it neutralizes acidity and raises pH. The result depends on the water chemistry, flow rate and contact time; a neutral pH is not guaranteed in every application.

Why use a fixed media bed?

A calcium-carbonate media bed can provide pH adjustment without a liquid chemical dosing pump. The media is consumed during treatment and must be checked and replenished. The system must be sized and operated for the water being treated.

Why treat acidic water?

Acidic water can contribute to corrosion of pipes, equipment and appliances. Appropriate treatment can reduce corrosion and associated metal release and blue-green staining, although corrosiveness also depends on other aspects of water chemistry.

Will the treatment also remove iron?

Iron removal must be assessed separately. A neutralizing filter should not be assumed to remove all dissolved iron; additional treatment may be needed. Please measure the iron concentration and provide a water analysis before selecting a system.

Contact Lenntech for advice and a quotation.

For water-treatment terminology, see our water glossary.