Why Does My Well Water Smell Like Eggs?

Have you ever smelled a foul egg-like smell in your well water? If so, you are not alone. This is a common problem among many homeowners who use well water, and it can be confusing and irritating. The odor is commonly reported as sulfur or rotten eggs, and it might not be a direct health hazard but it is necessary to know how and why this occurs and what can be done to stop it. In this blog, we will discuss the general causes of this odor and how to handle such an odor.

What Causes the Egg Smell in Well Water?

The smell of rotten eggs is usually caused by the hydrogen sulfide gas. Natural production of this gas occurs due to some bacteria and chemical reactions in the water.

Let’s break down the main causes of this smell:

Sulfur-Bacteria in the Well

The presence of sulfur bacteria in your well is one of the most widespread reasons you might notice an egg smell. Such bacteria develop in anaerobic environments like deep wells or slow-moving water systems. Sulfur bacteria are the cause of the smell because when they react with organic matter in the water, they produce a gas called hydrogen sulfide.

Sulfur bacteria do not pose any health hazard to you, but they can cause your water to have an unpleasant smell and taste. The bacteria may also lead to stains on sinks and tubs, with time.

Presence of Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that may be produced in the ground water due to the reaction of chemicals. The smell of this gas is very unique and resembles that of rotten eggs. It is widely distributed in water bodies that are close to sulfur-bearing rocks, e.g., shale or coal beds. The existence of hydrogen sulfide may also be associated with industrial activity or the breakdown of organic matter in the water in certain instances.

Although low levels of hydrogen sulfide do not pose any problem, it may lead to plumbing and water appliance problems when the concentration is increased. The gas may corrode metal pipes, damage fixtures, and shorten the life of your plumbing system.

Well Water Contamination

In other instances, the odor of rotten eggs may be a sign that your well water is polluted by chemicals, farm runoffs, or sewage. These pollutants may change the chemistry of the water and cause unpleasant smells, including the egg-like one. If you suspect contamination, you should have your water tested by a professional so that you can be sure that it is safe to use.

Can I Drink Water if it Smells Like Eggs?

The positive news is that in most instances, egg-smelling water caused by hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria is safe to consume. Though you may not like the smell, it does not usually cause any health hazard. It may, however, alter the taste and make your drinking water less palatable.

If the odor is the result of contamination by other sources, including sewage or agricultural chemicals, it may be a health hazard. When this happens, you should make sure that you have your well water tested and treated.

Removing the Rotten Egg Smell in Well Water

If you are fed up with the smell of eggs in your well water, then there are a few things you can do. The most effective method is based on the origin of the smell.

Shock Chlorination

Shock chlorination is one of the best ways to get rid of sulfur bacteria. This is done by adding a large amount of chlorine bleach into the well water to destroy the sulfur bacteria. Once the chlorine has been placed in the well and left there a few hours, you will have to flush the system to remove the chlorine and any bacteria that are left.

Shock chlorination is only a temporary solution, as the odor can come back again if the sulfur bacteria survive in the well. It is advisable to repeat the process after some time or combine it with other therapies.

Installing a Filtration System

The installation of a filtration system that has been specially designed to eliminate hydrogen sulfide and sulfur bacteria is a more long-term solution.

There are several types of filters available, including:

Activated Carbon Filters: These have the capability of eliminating sulfur odors and other impurities. Nevertheless, they might not be as effective when the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is high.

Oxidizing Filters: This type of filter is used to oxidize hydrogen sulfide into solid sulfur by the use of an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine or air, and then, the filter removes the solid sulfur.

Reverse Osmosis: This is a type of filtration that is capable of removing many types of contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide, but it is both expensive and must be maintained.

The appropriate filtration system will be based on the amount of hydrogen sulfide in your water and your general water quality requirements.

Aeration Systems

Another way to minimize the odor of hydrogen sulfide is through aeration systems that add oxygen to the water causing the hydrogen sulfide gas to evaporate. The systems are usually fitted at the point of entry of the water and may work well in removing the smell when the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is not very high.

Water Softening Systems

A water softener can assist if the egg odor is caused by a large amount of minerals such as sulfur or iron in your well water. Ion exchange is used in these systems to eliminate minerals that cause hardness and other water pollutants. A water softener will not necessarily get rid of hydrogen sulfide, but it will help to enhance the quality of water and make it smell better.

When to Call a Professional

When the DIY solutions have failed and the smell is still there, it is time to call a professional plumber or water treatment specialist. They will be able to carry out a water test to determine the precise cause of the smell and suggest the most appropriate treatment. When contamination is suspected, professional testing and remediation will be necessary in order to ensure your water is safe to drink.