Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - What kind of water filter?

I have a 6 inch deep well (260') in rock. I want to use this water to feed my toilets and I have been doing this. But the toilets get very dirty from whatever is in the water. It leaves a brownish film on the inside of the bowl. I don't know if this is sediment or what but I would like to put a filter in the water line that would stop this. I have no experience with water filters and was hoping someone could help.

I figure I will have to get one of the whole house ones but what do you think I need. Just a prefilter one or what. I see that some are sediment filters. I would like to keep the cost as low as possible since this is just for toilets and not drinking water but any info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.

It might be sediment. It might be iron. What does the inside of the toilet tank look like?

Anything slimey on the walls. Rub your finger and see what comes up.

You can have your water tested by a lab or buy an iron test kit. Only problem is, it won't tell you if the iron is Ferrous or Ferric. :wall:

If it is sediment a 4x10 or 4x20 housing with the appropriate cartridge will help.

if it is iron what will reduce or get rid of that

I don't know that much about iron. Andy C. will be commenting and he is THE MAN.

If you Google "iron removal" or "iron in water" you will have a leg up.

You really should get a comprehensive lab test on your drinking water, anyhoo. And a separate sample from your toilet water source, as well.

Well, thank you YaddaYadda...

There are four types of iron typical to residential use: ferrous, ferric, colloidal, and organic.

Ferrous, or clear water iron (Fe++), can be removed by a properly set softener. This is the most common.

Ferric, or oxidized iron (Fe+++) has precipitated due to coming into contact some oxidizing agent, typically air, and will pass through a softener (well, actually some of it may form deposits on softener parts and media) and can be filtered out with equipment providing the proper micron rating and flow rate.

Colloidal iron is suspended in the water causing the water to take on a pinkish color. An alum solution (aluminum sulfate) can be added to the water with retention time and then filtered out. This is rather rare but can occur.

Organic iron is most typically an iron reducing bacteria that feeds on the iron and leaves a slimy gunk in the toilet tank and oily film on the water's surface. It is not pathogenic but can cause unsightly stains and affects taste, as you could imagine. This iron is common and a sanitation process may be advised.

The point is to determine what the problem is before recommending a solution or you are shooting in the dark. I will assume there are additional water issues you may want to address, as well.

Get a thorough water test from a local professional. A second opinion is never a bad idea, either. www.wqa.org can help you find a local professional.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II

Thanks a lot guys. I will get my water tested and get back to you. Thanks for the great info.