If shock chlorination fails and the source is fixed, you might need a continuous disinfection system. This is not as scary as it sounds. The two most common are a UV light system or a chlorine injector. UV light zaps bacteria as water flows past it—no chemicals, no weird taste. It’s like a tanning bed for germs, but deadly for them. Chlorine injectors work like a mini bleach fountain, but you still need to remove the chlorine taste with a filter afterward.
UV systems cost about $400 to $800 installed, and they last years with just a new bulb every 12 months. That’s cheaper than buying bottled water for five years. (C’mon, you know you’ve done the math on that one.)
The “Oops, I Forgot” Filter
Here’s a trick: install a sediment filter before your UV or chlorinator. Why? Because coliform bacteria love to hitch a ride on dirt particles. If you filter out the mud, you remove their taxi service. A simple 5-micron filter cartridge costs $10 and can stop a lot of headaches. Change it every three months, set a phone reminder. Your future self will thank you.
How to Treat and Eliminate Coliform Bacteria in Well Water
