SC By SCWS Team | February 1, 2026 | 12 min read
Well Water Treatment Cost: Complete 2026 Price Guide
Rusty stains? Rotten egg smell? Hard water scale? Your well water is trying to tell you something. The good news: most water quality problems have affordable solutions. From simple $200 sediment filters to comprehensive $5,000+ whole-house systems, here's exactly what you'll pay to get clean, safe water from your well.
💵 Quick Cost Summary
Why Well Water Needs Treatment
Unlike municipal water that's treated at a central facility, private well water comes directly from underground aquifers with no processing. While well water is often clean and safe, it frequently contains naturally occurring minerals, sediment, and sometimes bacteria or other contaminants that affect water quality.
Common well water issues in Southern California include:
- Hard water: High calcium and magnesium levels cause scale buildup and soap scum
- Iron and manganese: Create orange or black staining and metallic taste
- Sediment: Sand, silt, and particulates that cloud water and damage appliances
- Bacteria: Coliform or E. coli contamination posing health risks
- Hydrogen sulfide: Causes rotten egg smell
- Low pH: Acidic water that corrodes pipes and fixtures
- Nitrates: Agricultural contamination dangerous for infants
The first step before investing in any treatment is professional water testing ($50-$200) to identify exactly what issues you need to address. This prevents you from buying unnecessary equipment or missing critical problems.
Sediment Filter Cost: $200-$600
Sediment filters are the foundation of most well water treatment systems. They remove sand, silt, rust particles, and other debris that can clog fixtures, damage appliances, and make water cloudy. If your well water has visible particles or you notice sediment in your toilet tank, a sediment filter is essential.
Types of Sediment Filters
| Filter Type | Equipment Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-down filter | $50-$150 | Large particles, easy cleaning (reusable) |
| Cartridge filter | $100-$300 | Fine filtration, replaceable cartridges |
| Backwashing filter | $400-$800 | Heavy sediment, self-cleaning |
| Multi-stage system | $300-$600 | Progressive filtration for various particle sizes |
Installation cost: $100-$300 for professional installation
Annual maintenance: $50-$150 for replacement cartridges or cleaning
For wells with significant sediment issues causing cloudy water, we recommend backwashing filters that automatically clean themselves, reducing maintenance frequency.
Water Softener Cost: $800-$2,500
Water softeners address hard water—one of the most common well water issues in San Diego County. They use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium, preventing scale buildup that damages water heaters, clogs pipes, and leaves spots on dishes and fixtures.
Water Softener Price Breakdown
🧂 Water Softener Equipment Costs
- • Small (24,000 grain): $500-$900 — 1-2 people
- • Medium (32,000-48,000 grain): $800-$1,500 — 2-4 people ⭐
- • Large (64,000+ grain): $1,200-$2,500 — Large homes
Installation cost: $200-$500 for professional installation
Annual maintenance: $100-$200 for salt (40-80 lbs/month) plus occasional service
Water softeners can also remove low levels of iron (up to 2-3 ppm), making them a cost-effective dual-purpose solution for homes with moderately hard water and minor iron issues.
Iron Filter Cost: $1,000-$3,000
If your well water causes orange or rust staining, you likely need a dedicated iron removal system. Iron filters oxidize dissolved iron and manganese, converting them to particles that can be filtered out.
Iron Filter Options and Costs
| System Type | Equipment Cost | Iron Capacity | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air injection (AIO) | $800-$1,800 | Up to 8 ppm | No chemicals; also removes sulfur smell |
| Greensand filter | $1,000-$2,000 | Up to 10 ppm | Reliable; requires potassium permanganate |
| Birm filter | $800-$1,500 | Up to 3 ppm | No chemicals; requires pH above 6.8 |
| Chemical injection | $1,500-$3,000 | Any level | Handles severe cases; ongoing chemical cost |
| Ozone system | $2,000-$4,000 | Any level | Most effective; highest initial cost |
Installation cost: $300-$600 depending on complexity
Annual maintenance: $100-$300 for media or chemical replenishment
UV Disinfection System Cost: $500-$1,500
UV (ultraviolet) water treatment systems kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites without adding chemicals to your water. They're essential if your well tests positive for coliform bacteria or if you want an extra layer of protection for drinking water safety.
UV System Pricing
Equipment cost by flow rate:
- Point-of-use (1-2 GPM): $200-$400 — Single faucet protection
- Standard whole house (8-12 GPM): $500-$900 — Most residential applications
- High-flow (15-25 GPM): $900-$1,500 — Large homes or high water demand
Installation cost: $150-$400 (relatively simple installation)
Annual maintenance: $80-$150 for UV lamp replacement (required annually)
Important: UV systems require clear water to work effectively. If your well water is cloudy or has iron, you'll need pre-filtration (sediment filter at minimum) before the UV unit.
Reverse Osmosis System Cost: $300-$1,000
Reverse osmosis (RO) provides the highest level of water purification, removing up to 99% of contaminants including dissolved minerals, heavy metals, nitrates, and more. Most RO systems are point-of-use units installed under the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water.
Reverse Osmosis System Options
| System Type | Equipment Cost | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| Under-sink (basic) | $150-$300 | $100-$200 or DIY |
| Under-sink (premium) | $300-$600 | $150-$250 |
| Countertop RO | $200-$500 | No installation needed |
| Whole house RO | $3,000-$10,000 | $1,000-$2,500 |
Annual maintenance: $100-$200 for filter and membrane replacements
For most well owners, an under-sink RO system ($300-$1,000 total) is the most practical choice. Whole house RO systems are expensive and create significant wastewater, making them impractical for most residential applications.
Whole House Water Filter Cost: $2,000-$5,000+
A whole house water filtration system treats all the water entering your home, protecting every faucet, shower, and appliance. These comprehensive systems typically combine multiple treatment stages to address various water quality issues simultaneously.
Whole House System Configurations
Basic System ($1,500-$2,500 installed)
- Sediment pre-filter
- Carbon filtration for taste, odor, and chemical removal
- Best for: Wells with minor sediment and taste issues
Mid-Range System ($2,500-$4,000 installed)
- Sediment filtration
- Water softener or iron filter
- Carbon filtration
- Best for: Hard water with moderate mineral content
Premium System ($4,000-$8,000+ installed)
- Multi-stage sediment filtration
- Water softener
- Iron/manganese removal
- UV disinfection
- Carbon polishing
- Optional: Smart monitoring and alerts
- Best for: Wells with multiple water quality issues
Annual maintenance: $200-$500 for filter replacements, salt, UV lamps, and service
Annual Maintenance Costs Summary
When budgeting for well water treatment, don't forget ongoing maintenance costs. Here's what to expect for annual upkeep:
| System Type | Annual Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Sediment filter | $50-$150 | Replacement cartridges (2-4 per year) |
| Water softener | $100-$200 | Salt (500-1,000 lbs/year), occasional service |
| Iron filter | $100-$300 | Media replacement or regeneration chemicals |
| UV system | $80-$150 | Annual UV lamp, occasional sleeve cleaning |
| Reverse osmosis | $100-$200 | Pre-filters (2-4x/year), membrane (every 2-3 years) |
| Whole house system | $200-$500 | All consumables plus professional service |
Factors That Affect Well Water Treatment Cost
Several factors influence how much you'll ultimately pay for well water treatment:
- Water quality issues: More problems = more treatment stages = higher cost
- Contamination severity: Extremely hard water or high iron requires larger, more expensive systems
- Home size: Larger homes need higher-capacity equipment
- Flow rate requirements: Multiple bathrooms and irrigation demand higher flow
- Installation complexity: Difficult access, replumbing, or electrical work add costs
- Brand and quality: Premium brands cost more but often last longer
- Local labor rates: Installation costs vary by area
Is Well Water Treatment Worth the Investment?
For most well owners dealing with water quality issues, treatment systems pay for themselves over time through:
- Extended appliance life: Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines last 30-50% longer without hard water scale or iron damage
- Reduced plumbing repairs: Prevents mineral buildup and pressure loss in pipes
- Lower cleaning costs: Eliminate spending on rust removers, hard water cleaners, and stain treatments
- No more bottled water: Safe, great-tasting water from every tap
- Laundry savings: Clothes last longer; use less detergent
- Health protection: Remove bacteria and contaminants that pose health risks
A typical $3,000 whole house system with $300/year maintenance costs about $50/month over 10 years—far less than the costs of damaged appliances, constant cleaning, and bottled water.
Getting Started: Next Steps
Ready to improve your well water quality? Here's the smart approach:
- Test your water: Professional testing ($50-$200) identifies exactly what you need to treat
- Prioritize issues: Address health concerns first, then aesthetic problems
- Get multiple quotes: Compare equipment options and installation costs
- Consider future needs: A slightly larger system now may save money later
- Factor in maintenance: Include ongoing costs in your budget
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a whole house water filtration system cost for a well?
A whole house water filtration system for well water typically costs $2,000-$5,000+ installed, depending on the complexity. Basic systems with sediment and carbon filtration start around $1,500-$2,500. Mid-range systems combining multiple treatment stages (sediment, softening, carbon) run $2,500-$4,000. Premium whole house systems with advanced filtration, UV disinfection, and smart monitoring can exceed $5,000-$8,000. Installation usually adds $500-$1,500 to equipment costs.
Is well water treatment worth the cost?
Well water treatment is typically worth the investment for several reasons. Proper treatment protects your plumbing and appliances from mineral damage and scale buildup, which can extend their lifespan by 30-50%. It eliminates staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. Treatment also ensures safe drinking water by removing bacteria, contaminants, and improving taste. While upfront costs range from $1,000-$5,000+, the long-term savings on appliance repairs, cleaning products, and bottled water often exceed the treatment system cost within 3-5 years.
What are the ongoing maintenance costs for well water treatment systems?
Annual maintenance costs vary by system type: Sediment filters require $50-$150/year for replacement cartridges. Water softeners cost $100-$200/year for salt and occasional service. Iron filters need $100-$300/year for media replacement or regeneration chemicals. UV systems require $80-$150/year for annual lamp replacement. Reverse osmosis systems cost $100-$200/year for membrane and filter changes. Whole house systems typically run $200-$500/year total. Most systems also benefit from professional service every 2-3 years ($150-$300).
Can I install a well water treatment system myself to save money?
Some simpler systems like point-of-use filters and basic sediment filters can be DIY installed if you have plumbing experience, potentially saving $200-$500 in installation costs. However, whole house systems, water softeners, and UV systems typically require professional installation to ensure proper sizing, correct plumbing connections, and optimal performance. Improper installation can void warranties, cause water damage, or result in inadequate treatment. For complex systems, professional installation is worth the cost for reliability and peace of mind.
How do I know what type of water treatment system I need?
The right treatment system depends on your specific water quality issues, which can only be determined through professional water testing ($50-$200). Test results reveal contaminants like iron, hardness, bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels. For example, hard water requires a softener, iron problems need an iron filter, and bacteria contamination calls for UV or chlorination. Many wells have multiple issues requiring combined treatment. We recommend testing before purchasing any equipment to avoid buying the wrong system or missing critical contaminants.
Get Expert Advice on Well Water Treatment
Not sure which treatment system is right for your well? We can test your water, identify the issues, and recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation. Our water testing service is the smart first step before investing in any treatment equipment.