Well water · 7 min
Well water treatment in Canada: iron, sulphur and UV
Private wells need more than a pitcher filter. How iron filters, sulphur treatment and UV disinfection fit together after a proper water test.
- Author
- WaterFilterHelp Editorial Team
- Canadian home-water research and consumer education
- Reviewed by
- WaterFilterHelp Standards Review
- Fact-checked against official Canadian guidance and certification sources
- Last reviewed
- 2026-08-23
Looking for a lab or free test option? Find a Water Test · Already have results? Explain your water test · Not sure which system you need? Run the Water Problem Wizard.
Start with a lab test
Test for bacteria (total coliforms and E. coli), nitrates, hardness, iron, manganese, sulphur, pH and TDS. Add arsenic, uranium or PFAS where local geology or industry suggests risk.
Iron and sulphur
Oxidizing filters, aeration and specialized media handle staining and rotten-egg odour. Softeners alone rarely solve heavy iron.
UV disinfection
Ultraviolet systems kill bacteria and viruses when the water is already clear enough for UV to work. Sediment and iron pretreatment is often required first.
A typical well train
Sediment → iron/sulphur → softener → carbon → UV → optional kitchen RO.
Get a well specialist
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