How to Remove the Sulfur Smell from Well Water?

If you have ever smelled rotten eggs in your well water, then chances are that you have sulfur in your water. Sulfur is a well water contaminant that can be caused due to the presence of sulfur bacteria or the presence of dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas. Although this smell may not be directly harmful to health, it may be extremely unpleasant and may render the normal activities of bathing, cooking, and cleaning uncomfortable.

 

What is the Cause of Sulfur in Well Water?

Sulfur Bacteria

Sulfur bacteria grow in areas of low or no oxygen like in deep wells or stagnant water. These are bacteria that thrive on organic substances and give out hydrogen sulfide gas as a by-product. It is this gas which makes the water have its characteristic smell of rotten eggs.

Hydrogen Sulfide Dissolved Gas

Sometimes sulfur in well water is a natural process and not the activity of bacteria. The ground contains sulfur in the form of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas may dissolve in water when it passes through some kinds of rock or soil, causing the foul smell.

Well Contaminants

The smell might also be due to other contaminants, like rotting organic material or other gases. These may combine with sulfur compounds.

Can Sulfur in Well Water Be Dangerous?

Sulfur in well water does not affect your health in the majority of cases. The odor may be offensive, but the existence of sulfur bacteria or dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas is usually not hazardous. Nevertheless, hydrogen sulfide in large amounts may lead to the corrosion of domestic plumbing, appliances, and clothing, or fixture staining. Occasionally, gastrointestinal problems, including nausea or upset stomach, can be caused by a high level of sulfur in drinking water.

When you are not certain whether the sulfur in your well water is in a dangerous quantity, you should consider having the water tested to ensure that it is safe.

Removing Sulfur Smell in Well Water

You can follow a variety of approaches depending on how bad the smell is and what the contamination is.

Shock Chlorination

One of the most frequent ways to remove sulfur bacteria in well water is shock chlorination. It is a process that entails the addition of a high concentration of chlorine bleach to the well that disinfects and kills any bacteria in the water.

Procedures for Shock Chlorination:

Step 1: Shut off the power to the well pump so that the pump will not be running when you are treating the water.

Step 2: Pour a good amount of chlorine solution (generally household bleach) into the well. How much you use will depend on how big your well is, but as a rule of thumb you should use approximately one gallon of bleach per 100 feet of water in the well.

Step 3: Add the bleach to the water by swirling it with a long, clean rope or hose.

Step 4: Start the pump again and allow the water to circulate in the pipes for at least 30 minutes. This will enable the chlorine to clean the whole system.

Step 5: Flush the water of all faucets in your house until you can no longer detect the smell of chlorine. This can be a few hours or even a day depending on the size of your system.

Aeration Systems

One of the ways to eliminate hydrogen sulfide gas in water is through aeration. It operates by airing the water which makes the hydrogen sulfide gas evaporate.

The Mechanism of Aeration:

Aeration systems pump air into the water forcing the hydrogen sulfide gas to come out into the air. This is followed by filtration of the water to eliminate any contaminants. Aeration comes in handy especially when you have low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas.

Aeration systems are of various types and they include:

Air Strippers: This involves the use of a high-pressure stream of air to remove the hydrogen sulfide in the water.

Activated Carbon Filters: These may be employed together with aeration so as to minimize the odor further.

Activated Carbon Filters

Another option to remove sulfur odors in well water involves the use of activated carbon filters. These filters absorb the hydrogen sulfide gas and other impurities in the water so they are removed as the water flows through the filter.

The Use of Activated Carbon Filters:

Install a Carbon Filter: Activated carbon filters may be installed at the point of entry, that is, where the water enters your house, or at a specific faucet.

Replacing the Filter: With time, the filter will get clogged with sulfur and other impurities, and therefore, it is essential that the filter be replaced every 3 to 6 months.

Iron Filters

In certain situations, the smell of sulfur in well water is due to the existence of iron or manganese in the water, which may respond with hydrogen sulfide and produce a more intense smell. To get rid of the sulfur smell and iron in the water, iron filters may be used.

How They Work:

Oxidizing Filters: In this type of filter, an oxidizing agent, e.g., chlorine or potassium permanganate, is added which reacts with the iron to form a solid which can be filtered out.

Birm Filters: Birm is a natural media that helps to get rid of iron and sulfur in the water by encouraging oxidation.

Water Softeners

When the sulfur odor is accompanied by a lot of hardness (calcium and magnesium) in the water, it can be necessary to have a water softener. The sulfur odor can be lowered by use of water softeners to remove minerals and soften the water using an ion exchange process.

How Water Softeners Help:

Removal of Calcium and Magnesium: Water softeners help reduce the hardness of water, which can sometimes exacerbate sulfur smells.

Improved Water Quality: A softener can improve overall water quality by eliminating mineral buildup and improving taste and smell.

UV Sterilization

In cases where sulfur bacteria are the primary cause of the odor, UV sterilization can be an effective method to kill bacteria without the use of chemicals. UV light destroys the DNA of bacteria, preventing them from reproducing and eliminating the sulfur smell.

Regular Maintenance

Maintaining your well system regularly can help prevent sulfur smells from becoming an ongoing issue. Regular testing and cleaning of the well can ensure that it remains free of bacteria and contaminants that may contribute to unpleasant odors.

Tips for Preventing Sulfur Smell in Well Water

Regular Testing: Have your well water tested for bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, and other contaminants at least once a year.

Proper Well Sealing: Ensure your well is properly sealed to prevent surface water or contaminants from entering the system.

Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain your well, including the pump, filters, and pipes, to prevent build-up of bacteria and minerals.