# How to choose a water filter from a lab test: iron, manganese, hardness

> Which values to look at in a borehole water test, which filter you need for iron, manganese and hardness, and in what order to fit the treatment stages.

Web page: https://watertrade.com.ua/en/articles/article/kak-vybrat-filtr-dlya-vody · Other languages: [UA](https://watertrade.com.ua/articles/article/kak-vybrat-filtr-dlya-vody.md), [RU](https://watertrade.com.ua/ru/articles/article/kak-vybrat-filtr-dlya-vody.md)

*August 12, 2026*

![Diagram: glass of cloudy water, test tubes and three filter columns for different purposes](https://watertrade.com.ua/uploads/articles/water-filter-choice.jpg)

Borehole water can differ completely between neighbouring plots. That is why a filter is chosen from a laboratory test, not by eye. Any sanitary or private laboratory will test your water for a modest fee — it saves you from buying equipment you do not need.

## What the diagram shows

1 — the water sample, 2 — the test results, 3 — treatment columns, each for its own task.

## How to take a sample

1. Let the water run for 10–15 minutes so it comes straight from the borehole.
2. Fill a clean bottle to the brim, without air, and close it at once.
3. Take it to the lab the same day.

## What to look at

| Parameter | Drinking water limit | If higher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total iron | up to 0.2 mg/L | iron removal filter |
| Manganese | up to 0.05 mg/L | iron filter with manganese media |
| Hardness | up to 7 meq/L | water softener |
| Nitrates | up to 50 mg/L | reverse osmosis or ion exchange media |

The limits are from the Ukrainian sanitary rules for drinking water (DSanPiN 2.2.4-171-10). Labs usually mark next to each value whether the limit is exceeded.

## Order of stages

1. **Sediment** — a 50–100 µm screen or cartridge filter right after the pump.
2. **Iron removal** — if iron and manganese are present.
3. **Softening** — if the water is hard. Without iron removal in front of it, iron quickly ruins the softener resin.
4. **Drinking water polishing** — carbon or reverse osmosis in the kitchen.

> If hardness only bothers you in the kettle and everything else is within limits, a kitchen reverse osmosis unit may be enough without a whole-house system.

Filters and cartridges are in our water filters section, membranes and tanks among the [reverse osmosis systems](https://watertrade.com.ua/en/catalogue/baki-dla-obratnogo-osmosa).

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