How Much Does a Well Water Treatment System Cost?
Published February 1, 2026 | 10 min read
Well water often needs some form of treatment to address hardness, iron, bacteria, or other quality issues. Water treatment system costs range from a few hundred dollars for basic filtration to $10,000 or more for comprehensive whole-house systems. Understanding your options and their costs helps you invest wisely in clean, safe water.
Water Treatment System Cost Overview
The right treatment system depends entirely on what's in your water. A professional water test is essential before choosing any treatment equipment. Here's an overview of common systems and their costs:
Typical Water Treatment System Costs
- Sediment Filter: $200 - $600 installed
- Water Softener: $800 - $3,500 installed
- Iron/Manganese Filter: $1,000 - $3,000 installed
- UV Disinfection System: $600 - $1,500 installed
- Carbon Filtration: $500 - $2,000 installed
- Reverse Osmosis (Point-of-Use): $300 - $800 installed
- Whole-House RO: $3,000 - $10,000+ installed
- Comprehensive Multi-Stage System: $5,000 - $15,000 installed
*Prices include equipment, installation, and initial setup
Treatment Systems by Water Problem
Hard Water (Calcium/Magnesium)
Solution: Water Softener
Cost: $800 - $3,500 installed
- Basic softener (1-2 people): $800-$1,500
- Standard softener (2-4 people): $1,200-$2,500
- High-capacity softener (4+ people): $2,000-$3,500
- Salt-free conditioner (alternative): $1,500-$4,000
Annual operating cost: $100-$300 (salt refills). Learn more about hard water solutions for well owners.
Iron and Manganese
Solution: Iron Filter System
Cost: $1,000 - $3,000 installed
- Air injection oxidation: $1,500-$2,500 (no chemicals needed)
- Chemical injection (chlorine/peroxide): $1,000-$2,000
- Birm/Greensand filter: $1,200-$2,500
- Combination softener/iron filter: $2,500-$4,500
Annual operating cost: $50-$200 depending on system type. See our guide on treating iron in well water.
Bacteria (Coliform, E. coli)
Solution: UV Disinfection System
Cost: $600 - $1,500 installed
- Point-of-entry UV (whole house): $800-$1,500
- Point-of-use UV (drinking water only): $300-$600
- Chlorination system (alternative): $1,200-$2,500
Annual operating cost: $80-$150 (UV bulb replacement). Read more about treating bacteria in well water.
Sediment and Particles
Solution: Sediment Filter
Cost: $200 - $600 installed
- Cartridge filter system: $200-$400
- Spin-down filter: $150-$300
- Automatic backwashing filter: $500-$1,200
Annual operating cost: $50-$150 (filter cartridge replacement). Learn more in our sediment filter guide.
Sulfur/Rotten Egg Smell
Solution: Oxidation + Filtration
Cost: $1,500 - $4,000 installed
- Air injection + carbon filter: $1,500-$3,000
- Chemical oxidation system: $2,000-$4,000
- Chlorination + contact tank: $2,500-$4,500
See our detailed guide on fixing sulfur smell in well water.
Taste and Odor Issues
Solution: Carbon Filtration
Cost: $500 - $2,000 installed
- Whole-house carbon filter: $1,000-$2,000
- Under-sink carbon filter: $200-$500
- Carbon block cartridge system: $300-$700
Drinking Water Purification (Multiple Contaminants)
Solution: Reverse Osmosis
Cost: $300 - $10,000 depending on scope
- Under-sink RO (drinking water): $300-$800
- Whole-house RO: $3,000-$10,000+
Annual operating cost: $100-$200 (filter/membrane replacement). Read our reverse osmosis guide for well owners.
Complete System Pricing Examples
Most well water requires multiple treatment stages. Here are common combinations:
| Water Issues | System Components | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hard water only | Water softener | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Hard water + iron | Iron filter + softener | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Bacteria + sediment | Sediment filter + UV | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Hard water + bacteria | Softener + UV | $2,000-$3,500 |
| Multiple issues | Sediment + iron + softener + UV | $4,500-$8,000 |
| Comprehensive treatment | Full multi-stage + RO drinking | $6,000-$12,000 |
DIY vs Professional Installation
| System Type | DIY Feasibility | DIY Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Under-sink RO | Good for handy homeowners | $150-$300 |
| Cartridge filters | Relatively straightforward | $100-$200 |
| Water softener | Moderate - requires plumbing | $300-$600 |
| UV system | Moderate - electrical required | $200-$400 |
| Iron filter | Difficult - complex setup | $400-$800 |
| Chemical injection | Not recommended | Professional only |
When DIY Makes Sense
- Point-of-use systems (under-sink filters, RO)
- Simple cartridge filter replacement
- You have plumbing experience
- Manufacturer provides clear instructions
When to Hire a Professional
- Whole-house systems requiring plumbing modifications
- Systems needing electrical connections
- Chemical injection systems
- Complex multi-stage installations
- You want warranty protection
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Budget for these annual maintenance expenses:
Annual Operating Costs by System
- Sediment filters: $50-$150 (cartridges)
- Water softeners: $100-$300 (salt, 40-80 lb bags)
- Iron filters: $50-$200 (media replacement every 5-7 years)
- UV systems: $80-$150 (annual bulb replacement)
- Carbon filters: $100-$300 (media/cartridges)
- RO systems: $100-$200 (filters, membrane every 2-3 years)
- Chemical injection: $200-$500 (chemicals)
Factors That Affect Cost
- Water quality: More problems = more treatment stages
- Household size: Larger systems for more people
- Flow rate needs: Higher flow = larger equipment
- Equipment quality: Premium brands cost more but last longer
- Installation complexity: Existing plumbing condition matters
- Location: Accessibility affects labor costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a well water treatment system cost?
Well water treatment systems range from $500 to $10,000+ depending on the type and capacity. Basic sediment filters cost $200-$500, water softeners $800-$3,000, whole-house filtration $1,500-$5,000, and comprehensive multi-stage systems $5,000-$10,000+.
What type of water treatment do I need for well water?
The right treatment depends on your water quality test results. Common needs include: sediment filters for particles, water softeners for hardness, iron filters for iron/manganese, UV systems for bacteria, carbon filters for taste/odor, and reverse osmosis for drinking water purification.
Can I install a water treatment system myself?
Point-of-use systems like under-sink RO units are DIY-friendly. Whole-house systems typically require professional installation due to plumbing modifications, electrical connections, and proper sizing. Improper installation can void warranties and create water quality issues.
What are the ongoing costs for water treatment systems?
Annual maintenance costs vary by system: sediment filters $50-$150/year for cartridges, water softeners $100-$300/year for salt, UV systems $80-$150/year for bulbs, RO systems $100-$200/year for filters. Factor these costs into your decision.
Get a Free Water Treatment Consultation
Not sure what treatment your well water needs? We'll test your water, explain the results, and recommend the right system for your specific situation—with clear, upfront pricing. No pressure, no obligation.