Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (2024)

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (1)WQ-11

12/90

Adel L. Pfeil
Department of Consumer Sciences and Retailing

Foul-smelling or unusual odors from your water should make you question itsquality and safety. Some odors indicate the presence of contaminants whichmay pose a health risk. Other odors, such as those caused by hydrogen sul-fide, are more of a nuisance, only affecting the taste of the water.

Effects of Sulfur Water

Sulfur in your water supply is easily recognized by its offensive odor.Hydrogen sulfide gas causes the "rotten-egg" or sulfur water smell. Hydrogensulfide in water causes no known health effects. However, high concentrationsdo change the taste of the water.

Hydrogen sulfide dissolved in water corrodes metals such as iron, steel,copper and brass. The corrosion of iron and steel from sulfur forms ferroussulfide or "black water." Hydrogen sulfide in water can blacken silverwareand discolor copper and brass utensils.

Sulfur water makes cleaning clothes very difficult. Using chlorine bleach insulfur water reduces the cleaning power of detergent. Hydrogen sulfide inwater also corrodes exposed metal parts in washing machines.

Iron and manganese, often present with hydrogen sulfide, turn the water blackand greasy-feeling. If untreated, the water stains laundry, washing machines,sinks and kitchenware. When used in the laundry, chlorine bleach reacts withiron and manganese forming dark rusty or brownish stains on clothes.

Occurrence & Characteristics

Generally, hydrogen sulfide occurs in concentrations of less than 10 mg/l(milligrams per liter), but occasionally amounts of 50 to 75 mg/l are found.Hydrogen sulfide is more commonly found in ground water supplies than in sur-face water. Hydrogen sulfide gas quickly escapes from surface water.

Wells drilled in shale or sandstone, or near coal or oil fields often havehydrogen sulfide present. Much of the ground water in northwestern andnortheastern Indiana has noticeable hydrogen sulfide levels. High levels ofhydrogen sulfide also occur in smaller sections around the state (Figure 1).

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (2)

Figure 1. Areas of Indiana where hydrogen sulfide is found in ground water.

Hydrogen sulfide may also be produced when sulfate in well water converts tohydrogen sulfide. Certain non-disease-producing bacteria use the oxygen inthe sulfate to form hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen sulfide causes the distinct, offensive odor of sewage. Occasionally,sewage pollution is the reason for the odor in drinking water. Sewage pollu-tion sulfide, and not a natural source, can occur in some surface water, inpoorly constructed wells or in shallow wells close to sewer lines or septictanks.

Under certain conditions, you may notice hydrogen sulfide when heating water.Heated water releases hydrogen sulfide gas quicker than cold water. A secondsituation occurs when sulfate in the water changes to hydrogen sulfide in thehot water heater. In this case, a magnesium rod has been installed in thewater heater to reduce corrosion of the water heater. As the rod gives upsmall amounts of magnesium to the water, some hydrogen is released. Thehydrogen can then combine with sulfur in the water and form hydrogen sulfide.

Hydrogen Sulfide Testing

The offensive odor of hydrogen sulfide generally makes testing unnecessary.Most people know when hydrogen sulfide is present and seek to correct theproblem.

However, in a few cases, the odor may be from sewage pollution. Water withonly hydrogen sulfide present does not cause disease. Sewage pollution, how-ever, contains disease-producing contaminants. When sewage pollution is apossible source of the sulfur, test your water for coliform bacteria.

Collect water samples for the hydrogen sulfide test at the well site. Hydro-gen sulfide gas easily escapes from water. Water testing labs and other pro-fessionals can provide further information on specific steps for testing.

Sulfide concentrations are reported as milligrams per liter (mg/l) or partsper million (ppm). These two terms are used interchangeably. Sulfide levelsof 0.35 mg/l and less may go unnoticed. Amounts of 0.5 mg/l or more are usu-ally noticed, even in cold water. Some people become accustomed to the odorand tolerate hydrogen sulfide levels of 5 and 6 mg/l. Visitors might findsuch water very unpleasant, however.

Sulfur Removal Methods

Several methods of removing sulfur from water are available. The treatmentmethod selected depends on many factors. These factors include the level ofsulfur in the water, the amount of iron and manganese in the water, and ifbacterial contamination must also be treated. Remember to consider the sim-plicity of the treatment method and the total cost including installation,maintenance and chemical costs.

Chlorine Bleach Removal Method

Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) ofhydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi-dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorinebleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.

An automatic chlorinator (chemical feed pump) adds chlorine to the water sys-tem (Figure 2). A filtering system then removes the sulfur, iron and man-ganese sediment formed. A settling tank sometimes replaces the filter system.A 500 to 1,000 gallon settling tank is generally sufficient.

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (3)

Figure 2. Example of an automatic chlorinator system.

Depending upon the amount of chlorine bleach added, a dechlorinating carbonfilter may be used to obtain chlorine-free water for cooking and drinking.The same activated carbon filter can also remove the sulfur sediment. Mainte-nance and replacement of filter systems should be considered since sulfur,iron, manganese and other suspended materials in the water soon clog thefilter.

Iron Removal Filter Method

An iron removal filter can remove low to moderate amounts (up to around 10mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide in addition to removing iron and manganese. Thefilter oxidizes the hydrogen sulfide, converting it into insoluble sulfurwhich the filtering process then removes.

The filter needs to be regularly recharged with potassium permanganate. Thecomplex recharging process makes the filter system very specialized. The ins-tallation and operation instructions of the manufacturer should be followedprecisely. Because the precipitated sulfur can clog the filter, the filterneeds regular replacement.

Aeration Removal Method

Aeration (adding air to the water), by itself, may not always reduce thehydrogen sulfide to non-detectable levels. However, the process sometimesreduces the hydrogen sulfide to acceptable amounts.

An aerator is installed between the well and a non-pressurized water storagetank (Figure 3). A diffuser, cascade or spray aeration system above the tankaerates the incoming water. The release of the water pressure and exposure tothe air removes some of the sulfur compounds. Oxidation removes some ofhydrogen sulfide gas. The process does produce the strong hydrogen sulfideodor near the aerator.

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (4)

Figure 3. Aeration releases hydrogen sulfide and provides an acceptablewater supply for the household.

A corrosion-resistant, screened vent under a water-tight roof should beinstalled. The storage tank and aeration system must be secure to preventcontamination of the water supply.

Operation of the aeration system requires good ventilation. The tank needsoccasional cleaning as precipitated sulfur, iron sulfide, rust and algae col-lect. A valve controlled drain line to the ground surface makes flushing thestorage tank, once or twice each year, easier.

Besides reducing the sulfur content, aeration also helps remove some of theiron, if present in the water. Oxidation of the iron occurs, and with enoughsettling time (holding the water in the tank for two to three days), satis-factory odor-free and iron-free water can be obtained.Activated carbon filters

Activated carbon filters absorb some hydrogen sulfide but have very limitedcapacity for major odor absorption. Carbon filters commonly are installedunder the sink to treat drinking and cooking water. The filters must beremoved and replaced often.

Other Considerations

Ordinary household water softeners do not remove sulfur odors from water. Infact, softeners easily become fouled or clogged, reducing their softeningcapacity. The exchange material may eventually need replacing.

Drilling a new well to find water with lower sulfur content may be a solutionor be a waste of effort and money. Changing the depth of the well or moving adistance away from the original well, may not result in tapping differentwater-bearing layers (Figure 4). A different water-bearing layer may or maynot be sulfur-free. Generally, the deeper the well, the higher the mineraland sulfur content.

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (5)

Figure 4. A new well may or may not have hydrogen sulfide in the water.

For Further Information

For further information on water quality contact your county CooperativeExtension office or local Health Department. The following bulletins in theWQ series may also be helpful:

WQ 1 "Water Testing Laboratories"
WQ 2 "What Is Ground Water?"
WQ 3 "How to Take a Water Sample"
WQ 4 "Why Test Your Water?"
WQ 5 "Interpreting Water Test Results Part One: Inorganic Materials"
WQ 6 "Buying Home Water Equipment"
WQ 9 "Water Quality for Animals"
WQ 10 "Wetlands and Water Quality"
WQ 12 "Distillation for Home Water Treatment"
WQ 13 "Home Water Treatment Using Activated Carbon"
WQ 14 "Reverse Osmosis for Home Treatment of Drinking Water"
WQ 16 "Bacterial Contamination of Household Water"

References

Clark, G. Douglas, ed., The Indiana Water Resource, Availability, Uses andNeeds, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indianapolis, 1980, p. 86.

"Water Treatment Fundamentals", l983, Water Quality Association EducationalServices.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Extension Service, under special project number 90-EWQI-1-9242.

Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana,Purdue University, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating; H. A. Wadsworth,Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an affirmativeaction/equal opportunity institution.

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies) (2024)

FAQs

Sulfur Water Control (Rotten Egg Odor in Home Water Supplies)? ›

Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria.

How do you get rid of sulfur smell in house water? ›

Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.

What neutralizes sulfur smell? ›

Vinegar is also known for its deodorising property. It is a commonly used home remedy. If you want to get rid of sulphur tang from your clothes, then you can soak them in a mixture of vinegar and water. And if some area of your house smells, then you can spurt vinegar there.

Can you filter out sulfur smell from water? ›

Sulfur in solid/ insoluble state is easily filtered out using the filtration method. Ozone, chlorine, aeration, and peroxide injections are some common processes that are used to get rid of the sulfur smell by boosting the oxidizing properties of the water being treated.

Is it OK to drink water that smells like sulfur? ›

Sulfur water can make you sick depending on the sulfide levels in your water. High sulfur levels can cause dehydration and other gastrointestinal symptoms. High sulfate content in water can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in infants. Many people can identify high levels of sulfide by taste and smell.

Is it safe to shower in sulfur water? ›

So, it's not a great idea to drink sulfur water or eat food cooked in it, but what about other tasks around the home. Bathing and showering in sulfur water isn't dangerous, but most people would not be able to stand the “rotten egg” stench for very long.

Does vinegar neutralize sulfur? ›

To remove the smell of sulfur, you're going to want plain white vinegar. White vinegar is a commonly used home remedy for cleaning and getting rid of strong odors. It is generally inexpensive and available at any grocery or convenience store.

Will a water softener get rid of sulfur smell? ›

Ordinary household water softeners do not remove sulfur odors from water. In fact, softeners easily become fouled or clogged, reducing their softening capacity.

Does Brita filter sulfur? ›

Are Brita Pitcher Filters Certified to Eliminate Sulfur Smells? Excess hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can cause drinking water to smell like sulfur. Brita pitcher filters are not certified to remove these substances, though the activated carbon in the filters should be effective in reducing hydrogen sulfide concentrations.

How to remove hydrogen sulfide from water? ›

Continuous Chlorination and Filtration

Oxidation is the most common form of treatment used to eliminate hydrogen sulfide. In this process, a chemical is used to convert the dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas into forms of sulfur that can be easily filtered from the water.

How do I fix smelly tap water? ›

Disinfecting, cleaning and flushing the drain should eliminate the odor. The reservoir/pressure tank may also be the source of such an odor. Cleaning and maintaining the reservoir/ pressure tank periodically can prevent bacteria from growing to levels that cause odor in the water.

How to remove bad smell from a water tank? ›

You can try flushing the tank to remove sediment and bacteria buildup. Additionally, installing a water heater anode rod or using chlorine treatment can help eliminate odors and maintain a fresh hot water supply.

How to fix rotten egg smell in water? ›

Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours.

Does running hot water get rid of sulfur smell? ›

Even if you drain your water heater, change the anode you'll still have the bacteria. But, there is an easy way to kill them off. To eliminate sulfate-reducing bacteria from the water heater, you need to raise the water temperature above 140 degrees for 8 hours.

How to fix stinky well water? ›

Use a carbon filter: In cases where sulfur odor is found without any iron or manganese issues also present, the best course of action is usually the use of an activated carbon filter. This is a great solution for removing sulfur gas from the water, and it's relatively affordable and simple to maintain.

How much bleach to put in a well to get rid of sulfur smell? ›

Just subtract the depth to the water from the total depth of the well. Multiply that by 0.65 for a 4-inch well or 1.47 for a 6-inch well. Then add another 100 gallons for the tank and hot water heater. Use 3 pints of chlorine bleach for every 100 gallons.

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