Well-water treatment guide
Reviewed: September 2026 · Sri Lankan household context
An RO filter can be part of a well-water treatment plan, but the correct setup depends on what is in that particular well. Sediment, hardness, salinity, iron, microorganisms, agricultural activity, flooding, and seasonal changes require different responses.
Describe the water source, visible problems, taste or odour, location, seasonal changes, and any available test results. Do not assume that one standard cartridge sequence solves every well-water problem.
Why nearby wells can need different treatment
Groundwater chemistry changes with geology, depth, construction, drainage, and nearby land use. Even two wells in one village can have different sediment loads or dissolved material. Rainfall and drought can also change a well over time.
A domestic point-of-use RO unit treats water delivered to its inlet; it does not repair a damaged well, stop surface runoff, or disinfect a contaminated storage tank. Source protection and plumbing hygiene remain essential.
Common questions to investigate
Is there visible sand, rust, or mud?
High sediment can block small cartridges and reduce flow. A correctly sized pre-treatment arrangement may be needed before the domestic unit. The external 5 micron cartridge is a first barrier, but its life depends on the load.
Is the water hard or leaving scale?
Hardness can affect equipment and may require a separate treatment decision. A TDS number alone does not measure hardness precisely. The appropriate test should be selected if scale is a major concern.
Is there an unusual taste, smell, or colour?
These observations help guide investigation but do not identify the cause by themselves. For example, carbon may help with some taste and odour concerns, but a persistent or sudden change should be assessed rather than hidden.
Could microbes be present?
Flooding, poor well construction, nearby wastewater, dirty storage, or an illness pattern can justify microbiological testing and source remediation. Do not rely on clear appearance or a TDS reading to answer this question.
Information to send before installation
- Your district, town, and exact type of water source
- Photos of the proposed filter location, water connection, drain, and power point
- Photos showing sediment, staining, or scale if present
- Any recent laboratory report, with the sample date and source identified
- Whether water is pumped directly, stored in a tank, or gravity-fed
- Any major seasonal change in taste, colour, or quantity
Where an Aqualife RO system fits
The six-stage Aqualife domestic system includes two sediment stages, inline carbon, an RO membrane, post-carbon, and mineral alkaline conditioning. It uses an 18 litre tank and automatic 24 V DC operation. Approximate daily output is 100–150 litres under suitable conditions.
This specification does not mean every well can connect without extra work. Inlet pressure, sediment loading, plumbing, drainage, and the identified water problem need confirmation. Extra pre-treatment or site work may be chargeable.
