Sulfur / Rotten Egg Odor in Well Water
Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gives water a distinctive rotten egg smell. Aeration and catalytic carbon filtration eliminate it at the source.
Get a Sulfur Odor ConsultationWhat Causes Rotten Egg Odor in Water?
The rotten egg smell in water is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S). It forms in groundwater when sulfate-reducing bacteria break down organic matter in oxygen-depleted aquifers. It can also originate from sulfur deposits in the geological formations your well draws from, or from sulfate-reducing bacteria growing inside your water heater.
Even at very low concentrations (as little as 0.05 mg/L), hydrogen sulfide produces a detectable odor. At higher concentrations it corrodes copper and silver plumbing and fixtures. It is often worst in hot water because heating accelerates outgassing.
Symptoms
- Strong rotten egg or sulfur smell — especially from hot water
- Smell most noticeable when running the hot tap or shower
- Black stains or slime in toilet tank (sulfur bacteria)
- Corrosion on brass, copper, and silver fixtures
- Unpleasant odor from dishwasher during cycle
Treatment Options
Air Injection / Aeration
Injecting air into the water stream oxidizes hydrogen sulfide to insoluble sulfur, which is then filtered out. Highly effective for concentrations up to 5 mg/L. Requires no chemicals.
Catalytic Carbon Filter
Specially processed activated carbon oxidizes and adsorbs H₂S. Handles moderate concentrations and also removes chlorine and other contaminants.
Chlorine Injection + Carbon Filter
For high H₂S concentrations or combined bacterial issues, chlorine oxidation followed by carbon filtration provides complete removal with disinfection.
Water Heater Anode Rod Replacement
If odor is only in hot water, the magnesium anode rod in your water heater may be reacting with sulfates. Replacing with an aluminum/zinc anode often eliminates the problem without a full treatment system.
Sulfur Smell Making Your Water Unusable?
We identify the H₂S concentration and source, then design the right treatment system to eliminate it completely.