Well Water Tastes Salty? Causes & Treatment

Causes of Salty Taste

1. Natural Geology

• Naturally occurring salt deposits
• Common in coastal and desert areas
• Ancient seabed formations
• Evaporite minerals dissolving

2. Saltwater Intrusion

• Coastal wells near ocean
• Seawater seeping into aquifer
• Worsened by over-pumping
• Can progressively increase over time

3. Road Salt Contamination

• Winter road de-icing salt
• Seeps into shallow groundwater
• More common in northern areas
• Less issue in Southern California

4. Water Softener Problems

• Softeners use salt for regeneration
• Malfunction can add excess sodium
• Easy to check by bypassing softener
• If taste gone after bypass = softener issue

5. High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

• Not technically salt, but tastes similar
• Various minerals dissolved in water
• Common with very hard water
• Affects taste even if chloride is moderate

6. Septic System Contamination

• Waste contains salts
• Contamination from failing system
• Should test for bacteria too

Testing Your Water

Key Tests

• Chloride: Primary salt component
• Sodium: Common contributor
• TDS: Total dissolved solids
• Conductivity: Quick indicator of TDS

Taste Thresholds

Testing Cost

• Basic TDS meter: $15-$30 (DIY)
• Lab test panel: $50-$150
• Comprehensive test: $150-$300

Softener Check

Before paying for tests: bypass your water softener for a day. If salty taste disappears, the softener needs service.

Health Concerns

Generally Not Dangerous

• EPA chloride limit is aesthetic (secondary)
• Most people taste salt before it's harmful
• Body regulates sodium intake

Concerns for Certain Groups

• People on low-sodium diets
• Those with hypertension
• Kidney disease patients
• Consult doctor if on sodium restriction

Other Effects

• Can affect taste of food/beverages
• May corrode pipes over time
• Can harm plants (irrigation)
• May affect appliances

Treatment Options

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

• Most effective for salt removal
• Removes 90-99% of dissolved solids
• Point-of-use (under sink) or whole house
• Produces waste water (2-4 gallons per gallon made)

RO Costs:

• Under-sink system: $200-$500
• Whole house system: $3,000-$10,000+
• Filter replacement: $50-$200/year

Distillation

• Boils water, condenses steam
• Very effective (nearly all salt removed)
• High energy use
• Slow production
• Best for small quantities

What Doesn't Work

• Water softeners: Don't remove salt—they add sodium
• Carbon filters: Don't remove dissolved salts
• Sediment filters: Only remove particles, not dissolved minerals

If Softener Is the Problem

• Service or repair softener
• Check settings and regeneration cycle
• May need potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride

If Saltwater Intrusion

• Reduce pumping (if possible)
• Drill deeper or new well in different location
• RO for treatment
• May be progressive—monitor over time

We service all major pump brands including Franklin Electric, Grundfos, Goulds (Xylem), and Sta-Rite (Pentair). Our trucks carry common parts and components for same-day repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my well water taste salty?

Dissolved minerals—usually chloride and sodium. Sources: natural geology, saltwater intrusion, water softener issues, or high TDS. Test to identify.

How do I remove salt from well water?

Reverse osmosis is most effective (90-99% removal). Distillation also works. Standard filters and softeners don't remove dissolved salts.

Is salty well water safe to drink?

Generally yes—EPA chloride limit is aesthetic. But consult doctor if on sodium-restricted diet. Usually you'll taste it before it's harmful.

Will a water softener help?

No—softeners actually add sodium. They're for hardness, not salt. If taste appeared after softener install, check softener settings.

Can saltwater intrusion be fixed?

Treatment with RO, yes. Fixing the source is harder—may require reducing pumping, drilling new well, or accepting ongoing treatment.