Sulfur

You turn on the faucet to take a shower or fill a glass of water, and suddenly, a powerful stench that smells like “rotten eggs” fills the air. That rotten egg smell is typically due to hydrogen sulfide or sulfates in the water. It is also an indicator that sulfur bacteria, a more severe water quality, and health issue, may be present in the water.

Sulfur makes its way into the Floridian Aquifer, which supplies most of the groundwater and well water throughout Southeast Florida, through decaying vegetation and organic matter as rain seeps into the aquafer converting the organic matter into sulfates. Sewage from a leaking septic tank can also leak into the ground and cause hydrogen sulfide in nearby water wells. City water systems routinely monitor for sulfur, but private well owners need to install a water treatment system that removes sulfur to prevent the growth of sulfur bacteria.

Signs of sulfur water

In addition to the foul smell and taste, sulfur is very corrosive and can wreak havoc on your plumbing and appliances. Sulfur bacteria in the water heater can also cause a rotten egg smell when you use hot water. It can eat through metal pipes, including iron and copper, that lead to water leaks. It also marks plumbing fixtures, laundry, and tableware with yellow to black streaks or stains.

Is sulfur water harmful?

Drinking small amounts of sulfur water has no known health risk.  However, drinking water with high levels of sulfur can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. It is also a water quality issue that can be a sign of bacteria in the water. Sulfur is usually associated with high levels of iron and manganese in the water. Consumers should avoid using sulfur water until the source of the problem has been identified through a water quality test.

Removing sulfur and the rotten egg odor in water

We offer several water treatment solutions for removing sulfur from the water. The treatment method depends on the level of sulfates in the water. Our ion-exchange water filtration system is among the most effective solutions for removing sulfur from the water.

Life is better with clean, odor-free, and better-tasting water from Atlantic Coast Water Clinic. We provide customized water treatment and purification systems by Kinetico that will remove sulfur in the water for homes and businesses in Southeast Florida, including Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Sebastian, and communities throughout Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties. Contact a professional, trained water specialist today!

Get a Free Analysis & Quote from Atlantic Coast Water Clinic for any of our solutions. Call (772) 283-4767 or use our online form at the top of the page.