Well water treatment for iron, sulfur and bacteria in Lee County
Rotten egg smell or rust stains from your well? Get matched with a licensed Lee County installer for well water treatment, iron, sulfur and hydrogen sulfide.
Lots of homes in Lee County, especially in Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers and on Pine Island, use private wells. A private well is the owner's responsibility. Nobody tests it for you on a schedule, so the first step is knowing what is in it.
Iron stains
Orange or brown stains on sinks, toilets, driveways and laundry usually point to iron. Iron can be dissolved, which is clear in the glass and stains later, or it can be particles you can see. Different forms need different equipment, which is another reason to test first.
Rotten egg smell
A sulfur smell is usually hydrogen sulfide gas. It can come from the well water itself. It can also come from the water heater, where bacteria sometimes thrive. Run the cold tap on its own. If the smell is only in the hot water, the heater may be the cause. A pro can tell you which, and the fix is not the same for both.
Bacteria
If a test finds coliform bacteria, do not guess. Treatment depends on the source and on follow up testing. Talk with a licensed professional and your local health department. Do not rely on a gadget alone for safety.
Common treatment options
- Aeration or oxidizing filters for iron and hydrogen sulfide
- Sediment filters for sand and silt
- Softeners for hardness, often placed after iron removal
- Disinfection systems when a test shows a bacteria problem
- Reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink for drinking water
Order matters. In many setups the iron and sulfur equipment goes first, then the softener, then the drinking water filter. A good installer explains the order and why.
Lab test first
Do not buy equipment from someone who says what is wrong by looking at your sink. Get a lab test with a written report. We cover how on our water testing page. Wells can change over time, so retesting every year or after heavy flooding is a good habit.
Plumbing and permits
Treatment equipment ties into the water line after the well tank. That work usually involves a licensed plumber and may need a permit. A well pump or pressure tank repair is a separate job, often done by a licensed well contractor.
You are looking for a written flat quote, parts and labor spelled out, with no pressure. Compare your options with softener installation and whole house filtration pages.