Does Your Tap Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Does your tap water smell like rotten eggs? The odor is often a result of a substance called hydrogen sulfide, which can be naturally present in groundwater or result from certain water treatment processes. Understanding the origins of this odor and its potential implications for your water quality can help you address the issue effectively. The best way to do so will be to contact Aquarius Water Conditioning so we can recommend the best Kinetico water purification system that will eliminate that nasty odor once and for all.

Hydrogen Sulfide: The Culprit Behind the Odor

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas produced through both natural and man-made processes. In the context of tap water, the presence of hydrogen sulfide is often linked to the following factors:

Natural Occurrence

Hydrogen sulfide can naturally occur in groundwater sources, especially in areas with high levels of organic material, such as decaying plant matter or organic-rich sediments. When water containing sulfur compounds interacts with certain bacteria in the environment, hydrogen sulfide gas is released. This gas can dissolve in water and impart its characteristic odor to the water supply.

Water Treatment

Water treatment processes, such as chlorination or chloramination, can lead to the release of hydrogen sulfide gas. For instance, when chlorine is added to water that contains naturally occurring sulfur compounds, a reaction can occur, resulting in the formation of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can escape from the water and produce the unpleasant odor when the tap is turned on.

Potential Implications for Water Quality

While the odor of rotten eggs can be off-putting, hydrogen sulfide in drinking water isn’t generally considered harmful at the low concentrations typically found in tap water. However, extremely high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide may be a sign of other water quality issues that warrant further investigation.

Addressing the Issue

If your tap water consistently smells like rotten eggs, there are steps you can take to address the issue:

Contact your water provider – Reach out to your local water provider or utility to report the issue. They may have information about recent changes in the water treatment process or the quality of the water supply in your area.

Flush the system – Running your taps for a few minutes can help clear out stagnant water that may be contributing to the odor. This is especially important if you’ve been away from home for an extended period.

Get in touch with Aquarius Water Conditioning – If the odor persists despite flushing and contacting your water provider, speak with a water quality specialist with Aquarius Water Conditioning. We’ll assess your plumbing system and water source to identify the source of the odor and recommend appropriate solutions.

There’s a very good chance we’ll recommend a Kinetico activated carbon filtration system designed to remove hydrogen sulfide and other impurities. Once we get to the bottom of why this problem is happening, we’ll determine the best approach for your situation.

If you can answer yes to the question of, “Does your tap water smell like rotten eggs?” the pros with Aquarius Water Conditioning will be here for you. We’ll help you take the proactive steps needed to ensure that your tap water is both safe and pleasant to use. Schedule service by contacting us online or calling 844-565-9198.