When is a Tannin filter required?

[wilburMN]

I'm replacing a whole house iron filter. As I've made inquiries and shared my well water test results with various water treatment companies I was surprised to have a couple of them recommending a Tannin filter in addition to the iron filter and softener. My water appears clear when I pull a sample prior to any water treatment. If I leave the sample sit overnight the bottom of the container is orange which isn't a surprise given the 5 mg/L iron in my tested water. The water test shows Tannins as 0.4 mg/L. Does this level of Tannins justify a Tannin filter?

Water test results:
Hardness 28 grains/gal
Iron 5 mg/L
Manganese 0.333 mg/L
pH 6.88 SU
Tannins 0.4 mg/L
Total Dissolved Solids 336 mg/L
Sulfates 10 mg/L

 

[Fitter30]

Don't know anything about tannins. Have seen on this forum when a individual piece meals a system instead of having a company design one and supply the equipment for treatment. Doesn't seem to go very well they keep throwing parts at it. The reading .4 mg/L did anyone tell you where is this reading on a scale of 1 to 10 where your at?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Bannerman]

"Tannins" isn’t a single contaminant but refers to a range of natural organic compounds commonly found in groundwater. These are usually the result of groundwater coming into contact with decaying vegetation. While tannins themselves typically don’t pose a direct health risk, their presence can indicate surface water infiltration. Since tannins can easily travel from surface water to groundwater, it’s recommended to test raw well water for bacteria periodically as well.

Several treatment options exist for tannin removal. One effective approach is to inject chlorine into the water before it enters a contact tank. The contact tank allows the chlorine more time to oxidize tannins and iron. The oxidation process will cause the tannins and iron to form solid particles that can settle at the bottom of the tank and be flushed out periodically.

If any iron remains after passing through the contact tank, it can be removed using a backwashing filter containing iron reduction media, such as Katalox Light. To remove residual chlorine and chlorination byproducts, a final backwashing tank with carbon media should follow. This will also improve the water's color, taste, and odor.

 

[wilburMN]

Really hoping to keep water treatment to just Katalox w/ AIO3 iron filter and a softener. Not wanting to deal with chlorine addition or a salt hog of a Tannin filter. Am I asking for trouble?
Previous iron filter and softener set up provided clear water without odor or taste unless salt in the brine tank ran low or water usage exceeded what was regenerated.

 

[Reach4]

The tannins are not a health issue. If the taste does not bother you, don't worry about it... but as Bannerman pointed out, you could use that as an indicator to check for surface water contamination.

 

[wilburMN]

The tannins are not a health issue. If the taste does not bother you, don't worry about it... but as Bannerman pointed out, you could use that as an indicator to check for surface water contamination.

"Tannins" isn’t a single contaminant but refers to a range of natural organic compounds commonly found in groundwater. These are usually the result of groundwater coming into contact with decaying vegetation. While tannins themselves typically don’t pose a direct health risk, their presence can indicate surface water infiltration. Since tannins can easily travel from surface water to groundwater, it’s recommended to test raw well water for bacteria periodically as well.

Several treatment options exist for tannin removal. One effective approach is to inject chlorine into the water before it enters a contact tank. The contact tank allows the chlorine more time to oxidize tannins and iron. The oxidation process will cause the tannins and iron to form solid particles that can settle at the bottom of the tank and be flushed out periodically.

If any iron remains after passing through the contact tank, it can be removed using a backwashing filter containing iron reduction media, such as Katalox Light. To remove residual chlorine and chlorination byproducts, a final backwashing tank with carbon media should follow. This will also improve the water's color, taste, and odor.

Making sure I have a clear understanding of what's involved with chlorine injection. In addition to an injector is an additional tank required prior to iron filter?
And a backwashing tank with carbon. Is this another 10x54'ish tank after the softener?
Asking in the event I need to add later.