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From sulfur odor and iron staining to problem gases such as methane and radon, low-yield wells, and well sanitizing — find a symptom below to see the Better Water Industries systems commonly used to address it, with literature and a direct line to our team.
How this works
Better Water Industries manufactures the systems and components shown on this page. We work through dealers, installers, and distributors — we do not install systems directly or operate a dealer locator. This page connects a well-water symptom to relevant equipment and literature, then points you to our team for next steps.
Well water varies from site to site, and the right approach depends on testing and field conditions. The guidance below uses general, cautious language and is not a diagnosis. For a specific well, consult a qualified water-treatment professional.
For dealers & installers
We help dealers, installers, and distributors match aeration, chlorination, flow-measurement, and sanitizing equipment to the water conditions you encounter in the field.
Common well-water problems
Odor
A rotten-egg or sulfur smell in well water is commonly associated with hydrogen sulfide gas. The Sentry I Open-Air Gas Reduction system combines air with chlorine to help knock out odors in the water before other treatment equipment.
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Staining
Reddish, orange, or rust-colored staining on fixtures, laundry, and sinks is commonly linked to iron. Many systems just use aeration to treat this, but the Sentry I Open-Air ensure oxidation and sanitation with their patented chlorine dispenser. This "one-two punch" treats the water so the backwashing filter can remove it.
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Staining
Black or brownish-black staining and specks are commonly associated with manganese. pH drives how to properly treat manganese, however the Sentry I Open-Air System can drive it to oxidation ahead of filtration.
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Biological
Slime, recurring buildup, reddish film, or a thick “snot-like” substance in the upper toilet tank can be signs of iron bacteria. The toilet tank is often one of the first places this shows up. BWI chlorine, used with the Open-Air System, is designed to kill iron bacteria and is often combined with aeration and filtration as part of a broader well-water treatment approach.
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Problem Gas
Methane is often associated with spitting and sputtering faucets and “milk” like looking water. The Gas Reduction System does an excellent job of reducing methane gases by diluting the methane and releasing it within the atmospheric tank. Many systems claim to safely reduce methane gas with blowers or fans not rated for flammable gases. The Sentry I Gas Reduction System uses air induction to dilute these unwanted gases and remove them from the dwelling through a 2” naturally rising vent.
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Problem Gas
Radon in water is evaluated with appropriate testing and safety considerations. Air-Stripping is one of the most effective approaches to radon mitigation. Add the Air-Stripping Package to any Open-Air System and let the mitigation begin. This package is often configured in the “negative pressure” setup, which is safer and quieter than the positive-pressure style application.
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Chemistry
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in some groundwater and is evaluated with appropriate laboratory testing. Arsenic comes in two basic forms, trivalent and pentavalent. Most arsenic tests just give you the total amount of arsenic and not the type you are trying to treat, which is very important for treatment equipment. The Sentry Open-Air Systems use the strong oxidizer needed to convert arsenic into the easier-to-treat form, pentavalent. If iron is also present, arsenic will “attach” itself to the iron. When the iron gets filtered out, the arsenic often goes with it! Talk to your qualified water-treatment professional for details about your water.
Consult a qualified water-treatment professional; testing determines the right approach.
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Chemistry
Acidic, low-pH water can contribute to corrosion of plumbing and fixtures. Corrosion of copper pipes often leaves blue-green stains. Atmospheric aeration often raises the pH by ½ a scale. This is done by simply reducing the naturally occurring amount of carbon dioxide in the water.
Consult a qualified water-treatment professional; testing determines the right approach.
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Color
Yellow, tan, or tea-colored water is commonly associated with tannins from decaying organic matter. Tannin conditions are typically handled with treatment selected by a qualified water-treatment professional based on testing.
Consult a qualified water-treatment professional; testing determines the right approach.
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Supply
Wells with limited recovery, or homes with higher peak demand, are commonly paired with appropriately sized aeration and storage so treated water is available when needed. Pressure-boosting equipment restores consistent delivery after atmospheric treatment.
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Flow & Pressure
Inconsistent flow or pressure can have several causes. Accurate flow measurement supports system setup and calibration, and pressure-boosting equipment is commonly used where treated water is stored before delivery.
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Disinfection
Where consistent disinfection is part of the treatment approach, dry-pellet chlorination is commonly used and is supported by accurate flow measurement for dependable dosing.
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Maintenance
Routine and post-service sanitizing of wells, cisterns, and storage tanks is commonly handled with well-sanitizing products and, where appropriate, chlorination. Always read and follow the product label.
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Setting the record straight
Fiction
Fact
Ignoring the problem is not the answer. Groundwater conditions can change over time, and many well-water problems are not visible at first. Water is often called the universal solvent because it can dissolve and carry minerals, gases, metals, and other substances from the ground around it. That is why testing, maintenance, and the right treatment approach matter.
Fiction
Fact
If you have a private well, you are essentially responsible for your own small water system. Unlike city water, private well water is not continuously monitored by a municipal utility. The responsibility for testing, maintenance, and treatment decisions belongs to the property owner — whether the water serves a home, business, farm, or other facility.
Fiction
Fact
Common issues such as iron staining, sulfur or rotten-egg odor, algae, bacteria, problem gases, and other problem-water conditions often begin in the well or source water before the water ever reaches the home. Better Water systems are designed to help dealers and installers address these problems with an air-first system approach, using aeration, oxidation, controlled chlorination, filtration, and serviceable equipment where the application calls for it.
When was your well water last tested?
If you are not sure what is causing the problem, start with testing and work with a qualified water-treatment professional to determine the right next step.
System approach
01 / Aerate
The Sentry I Open-Air System introduces air to support oxidation and to help vent gases such as methane, radon, and CO2.
02 / Disinfect
The Dry Pellet Chlorinator adds consistent disinfection where an application calls for it.
03 / Measure
The Flow Meter supports accurate dosing, setup, and dependable calibration.
04 / Maintain
Well Safe® products support routine maintenance and post-service well treatment.
The ReVolution Package brings these stages together as a companion platform designed to work alongside the Sentry I Open-Air System. Learn about ReVolution →
