Understanding Sulfur in Water and Its Solutions
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Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Egg?
H2S is often found in wells, especially those drilled in sandstone or shale, or near oilfields, coal or peat, and can also enter surface water via springs. Before dealing with it, however, you need to be sure of the source.
If your hot water has the distinctive rotten eggs smell but your cold water does not, the problem is with the water heater. This may have an anode rod that reacts with the sulfate to produce H2S gas. Replacing the anode rod with an aluminum version should fix the problem.
If your cold water smells, then the source of the water — the well — is the problem. A rotten egg smell indicates sulfur while other smells are due to various different contaminants such as manganese or iron. You should conduct a test to analyze the content of the water, so you know how to treat it correctly. Run water into a bucket as a sample and test it for pH levels, manganese, iron and hardness as well as sulfate and hydrogen sulfide.
When the water causes red or black staining, this is an indication of iron or manganese in the water. This will also need to be filtered out in addition to the sulfur.
What Is Sulfer In Water?
Sulfur is a naturally occurring substance and in its normal crystalline state, it is tasteless, colorless and not harmful. The problem occurs when iron and sulfur bacteria that are present in ground water change sulfates into hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, which has an unpleasant smell similar to rotten eggs.
H2S in household water is normally at very low concentrations and is not a health risk. However, it does smell unpleasant and, in gaseous form, can be flammable and poisonous. When dissolved in water, H2S can corrode metals such as iron, steel, brass and copper, can darken silver and cause discoloration in copper and brass. It is, therefore, a problem that needs to be dealt with.
Well water concentrations are normally 1-5 parts per million (PPM) compared to the 100 PPM levels that can cause sickness and death. However, even limited exposure at the lower levels can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory system while prolonged exposure can cause eye inflammation, insomnia, headaches, tiredness and digestive disturbances. Higher concentrations can result in more severe conditions such as nausea, vomiting, breathing problems and worse respiratory and eye irritation.
What Causes Sulfur in Water?
Sulfur in water often results from the natural decomposition of organic materials, where hydrogen sulfide gas, responsible for the rotten egg smell, builds up. It can enter wells from surrounding soil and rock or even from underground aquifers. Additionally, specific bacteria can thrive in groundwater, producing hydrogen sulfide as they feed on sulfur compounds. It’s essential to identify the source because the presence of sulfur can indicate more progressive issues in your water supply.
Effects of Sulfur on Health and Home
While sulfur in water usually doesn't pose a severe health risk, it can affect the taste and odor, making water unpleasant to drink. Prolonged exposure can lead to damage in plumbing and water-using appliances. For example, high concentrations of sulfur can corrode metal pipes. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue promptly, as it can lead to increased maintenance costs down the line and make water less enjoyable to use.
Effective Solutions to Remove Sulfur from Water
Fortunately, there are various methods to treat sulfur in water effectively. First, using activated carbon filters can help remove odors and improve taste. However, for higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, a more advanced solution such as oxidation or chlorination systems may be necessary. Regular testing of your water will also help in monitoring sulfur levels, allowing for timely interventions to maintain water quality.
