Well water gets “hard” when organic matter and minerals dissolve in the groundwater. A water softener can reduce the buildup of scale and deposits in your appliances.

Naturally occurring elements such as iron, sulphur and manganese can cause your water to smell like blood, rotten eggs or burnt matches, or leave red or yellow stains in sinks, tubs and toilets. These contaminants should be removed.

Tannins are typically found in surface water or shallow wells and are caused by water passing through peaty areas or decaying vegetation. They can turn water brown and give it an odd taste and odour but don’t represent a health risk.

UV light disrupts the DNA of bacteria so they can’t reproduce. It’s increasingly popular because it doesn’t use chemicals — though it does require water to be filtered using a five-micron sediment filter first.

This method removes contaminants by pushing water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane. It can remove up to 99.5% of dissolved particles and is most commonly installed in kitchens for cooking and drinking. Learn more.