Water System Sanitation

How To Sanitize A Water System With H2O Chlorination Water Well Sanitizer Pellets

H2O Chlorination Water Well Sanitizer Pellets can be used to sanitize wells, storage tanks and cisterns. The amount of chlorine pellets required depends on the amount of water within the system.

For a 500 PPM chlorine concentration, use 12 oz. (3/4 lb. or approximately 340 pellets) for every 100 gallons of water in the system.

Pellet Information:
1 pellet = approximately 1 gram
28 pellets = approximately 1 oz.
454 pellets = approximately 1 lb.

Chlorine Pellet Amounts for Drilled Wells

For each 100 feet of water depth:

Amounts shown are intended to produce a 500 PPM chlorine dosage.

Sanitizing a Drilled Well

1. Determine the water depth.
Remove the cap or seal from the well casing and measure the depth of the water. Use the table above to determine the amount of chlorine pellets needed. If measuring the water depth is difficult, the well log or other records may be used to estimate the well and water depth.

2. Check access to the well.
Remove the well cap and make sure there is an unobstructed path from the top of the well to the water. If the well cap cannot be removed, remove the vent or sanitation access plug.

3. Add half of the pellets.
Drop one pellet into the well and listen to make sure it reaches the water. Once confirmed, drop one-half of the required pellets directly into the well. These pellets will sink to help sanitize the lower portion of the well.

4. Mix the remaining pellets.
Mix the remaining half of the pellets with a few gallons of water in a clean plastic container, then pour the solution into the well.

5. Recirculate the water.
Connect a hose to the water system and run the water back down the well. This helps thoroughly distribute the chlorine and rinse the upper portion of the well. Recirculate for approximately 30 minutes, or until a strong chlorine odor is evident, then turn off the hose.

6. Chlorinate the entire system.
Bypass water softeners and filters. Open each water outlet until a chlorine odor is noticeable. This helps ensure chlorinated water has reached the entire system.

7. Allow the chlorine to work.
Leave the chlorinated water in the system for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Then open an outside faucet and flush the system until the water runs chlorine-free. Repeat the flushing process at each faucet.

8. Test the water.
After the system has been completely flushed, perform a bacterial analysis of the water according to all applicable procedures. Always follow sanitation procedures required by state and local regulations.

Large Diameter Bored Wells

Calculate the volume of water in the well before determining the amount of chlorine needed.

• 231 cubic inches = 1 gallon of water
• 1 cubic foot = 7.5 gallons of water
• Use 3/4 lb. of chlorine pellets per 100 gallons of water

Dissolve the appropriate pellets in a clean plastic container and add the solution to the well. Pour an additional two cups of pellets directly into the well.

Connect a garden hose to a faucet and run the water back into the well. Once a strong chlorine odor is noticeable, use the chlorinated water to wash down the sides of the well. Then continue with the flushing and sanitizing procedures described above.

Springs & Cisterns

Mix approximately 1/2 cup of pellets with 5 gallons of water and use the solution to scrub the walls of the spring box or holding tank.

For springs with a constant flow of fresh water, it may not be possible to retain the chlorine solution for an extended period. However, the chlorinated water should be allowed to flow through the pipeline to disinfect the distribution system.

Cisterns can be disinfected using the same general process, but a source of clean water will be required to flush contaminated waste from the system.

Important Safety Information

Use caution when handling chlorine pellets. Chlorine is a strong oxidant.

• Keep containers tightly closed with child-resistant locking devices in place.
• Keep pellets out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
• Never handle pellets with bare hands or cloth gloves. Clean rubber gloves may be used.
• Never inhale chlorine dust or fumes.
• Keep pellets clean and free from dirt, grease and other foreign materials.
• Use only a clean plastic container or scoop when handling pellets.
• Store pellets in a cool, dry location away from heat, sparks and flame.

Additional Cautions

Chlorination may loosen iron deposits, slime and organic material, which can temporarily discolor the water or clog pump screens. Do not continue running the pump if water does not flow.

The high chlorine concentration required for sanitization can also be corrosive to metals. Do not allow the chlorine solution to remain in the water system for more than 36 hours before completely flushing the system.

Please Note: H2O Chlorination Water Well Sanitizer Pellets are intended to sanitize a water supply system that has been temporarily contaminated. They are not intended to solve recurring contamination problems.

EPA Registered — Well Sanitizer Pellets are certified by NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 60.