Do you feel like the well water is smelling like sulfur? Know that it is highly possible, and it may indicate the presence of sulfur bacteria or sulfur dioxide gas in well water. The consumption of water with a high sulfate content can cause diarrhea and can also lead to dehydration.

Surely, we are not going to abandon the well, especially when it’s our main source of water supply. But why does the well water suddenly smell like sulfur, and how can we get rid of this foul odor? We will get to know you soon. So, if you have a well, consider reading this and get valuable information out of it.

What causes the sulfur smell in well water?

When the well water smells like sulfur, it is due to the presence of sulfur bacteria or sulfur dioxide gas. But where do these elements come from?

To be precise, there are three possibilities. Natural occurrence because the element is commonly found throughout the environment, chemical reactions taking place in water producing hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct, or the sulfur bacteria already present in groundwater. In exceptional cases, it may be due to direct pollution.

Your water heater may also contain sulfur bacteria if you notice the smell from water coming from the hot tap. Magnesium anodes, in combination with warm water found in your home’s water heater, can create an environment conducive to the growth of sulfur bacteria. Regardless of how much hydrogen sulfide is present, the water may smell if it contains any.

Can you drink water that smells like sulfur?

While there may not be immediate harm to your body when you drink the smelly water. But, as mentioned earlier, if the water contains a high level of sulfur element, it may cause dehydration, diarrhea, and other illness issues.

However, you should avoid drinking smelly water and get it tested to identify the odor and from where the smell is coming.

Other than noticing the bad odor, if you feel like the color or the taste of water has changed, avoid drinking and get it tested.

Is there a way to treat sulfur-smelling well water?

A laboratory test will give you an exact figure of what elements are contained in well water, and you will also know the quantity. Based on that, you will be able to find a reliable solution and can treat it for sure.

As discussed earlier, the problem of well water smells like sulfur may lie with your water heater. So, a thorough inspection and testing is the first phase you can take to get rid of the sulfur smell. Besides, there are a couple of other steps you can take to treat smelly well water.

Identify the source

It’s the most important step because only if you find the source, then you can get rid of the smell once and for all. Otherwise, you will be shooting arrows in the sky, and you might get success for a limited time, but the smell will come back.

Identify the source of the smell. Is it the presence of sulfur bacteria in groundwater, is it the water heater, or is it due to some chemical reactions taking place?

Use well water filters

A specialized water filtrations system needs to be installed by analyzing the laboratory test you have done and when you have identified the source. Based on that, you have to select water filters that are made specifically for removing sulfur elements. Additionally, you must ensure that the water is free of any other impurities.

A comprehensive filtration system for well water is the ultimate solution to eliminating the sulfur smell from well water.

Fix water heater

The water heater is likely to be the cause of the sulfur smell in your well water. You must replace the magnesium anode and disinfect the water heater with chlorine bleach solution.

Conclusion

Though it’s not too risky, who likes to drink smelly water? No one, and therefore, when you see well water smells like sulfur, you need to find the root cause behind this. If you are not sure, it’s sulfur or something else, get your water tested for confirmation.

To treat smelly water, install specialized well water filters and see if it helps. There will be no smell if filters work effectively. So, next time you feel a smell in well water, also check if filters are in good condition or not.