A better way to filter well-water supply

Q. We now use a water filter to remove any minerals from our well-derived water supply. The filter requires frequent backwashing, plus periodic use of potassium permanganate. In winter, when we do not need as much water, it is wasteful to backwash so often. Is there a better way? Fontaine Weitzel Glencoe, Calif.

A. John Roberts, the Culligan man from Escondido, Calif., says the system you are using is perhaps the most practical and feasible one you can find. He suggests that backwashing of the filter need not be done so often when winter rains reduce the excessive use of the well water.

If readers know of a more sophisticated way to filte r iron from well water, let us hear about it.