Question

when well water smells like rotten eggs

Answer 1

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?

If your water smells like rotten eggs, the odor is usually caused by the levels of sulfur bacteria and Hydrogen Sulfide that can be found in a building’s water supply. If you only experience the smell when using your hot tap, it may be a chemical reaction occurring inside your hot water heater, and nota problem with your water supply.

How to Remove the Rotten Egg Smell

If you do experience any new odors it is always important to find the source of the problem by checking taps and water supplies around the building.

If the smell is only from the hot water tap the problem is likely to be in the water heater. Contacting a trained boiler inspector is the best cause of action here.If the smell is in both the hot and cold faucets, but only from the water treated by a water softener and not in the untreated water the problem is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the water softener. Changing the water softener solution will solve this issue.If the smell is strong when the water in both the hot and cold faucets is first turned on, and it diminishes or goes away after the water has run, or if the smell varies through time the problem is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the well or distribution system. This could also be a sign that there is a more dangerous problem in your water supply.If the smell is strong when both the hot and cold faucets are first turned on, the problem is likely hydrogen sulphide in the groundwater. This could also be a sign that there is a more dangerous problem you’re your water supply.

If you are concerned about what is in your water you can purchase test kits that will check the levels of hydrogen sulfide, sulfate, sulfur bacteria, and iron bacteria.