CAUSES OF ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN WATER
The most common cause of rotten egg smell in water in South Hampton, NH and this region is hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that can exist naturally in groundwater. Sulfur-reducing bacteria present in groundwater use sulfur as an energy source to chemically change sulfates to hydrogen sulfide. The bacteria use sulfur from decaying plants and other organic matter in oxygen-deficient environments. They can occur in deep or shallow wells, and reside in plumbing systems. Hydrogen sulfide can reveal itself in other ways too. Hot water heaters that have a magnesium rod used for corrosion control can chemically reduce sulfates to hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide also can enter surface water through springs as well. It is most common in shale and sandstone. The occurrence of hydrogen sulfide gas has been associated with groundwater with low pH and/or groundwater with high levels of iron and/or manganese (typical water quality issues in New England). Hydrogen sulfide has a pungent smell at low concentrations and most people can detect concentrations above 0.03 ppm. There is no Maximum Contaminant Level established by the United States EPA.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE: A HEALTH RISK OR JUST AN AESTHETIC ISSUE?
Usually it is not a health risk at concentrations present in household water. However, hydrogen sulfide gas is flammable and poisonous at high concentrations. Build-up of hydrogen sulfide concentrations in confined areas has been known to cause adverse health effects.
Bacteria in groundwater are responsible for most of the sulfide smells detected while sampling water wells. These are not often associated with high enough concentrations to be a health issue. In rare cases, sulfide presence may be due to sewage pollution. If you experience a hydrogen sulfide odor suddenly, consult with a water filtration system professional.
REMOVAL OF ROTTEN EGG SMELL WATER
While there are several technologies available to remove the rotten egg smell in your water, it cannot be viewed in a vacuum. The pH level, iron & manganese levels, as well as other contaminants present in the water must be evaluated for an effective, comprehensive solution to this issue. Some technologies / systems that may be used include:
- Ozone treatment creates a chemical reaction that precipitates sulfur. Ozone is effective for concentrations up to 10 ppm.
- Activated carbon filters can be effective when hydrogen sulfide is present in low levels (up to about 0.3 ppm). The hydrogen sulfide is absorbed onto the surface of the carbon particles. Filters require periodic replacement and can harbor sulfate-reducing bacteria
- Oxidation removes hydrogen sulfide concentrations exceeding 6 ppm. It can be done by aeration, chlorination, and potassium permanganate.
- Shock chlorination of your well may reduce the hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria. It’s most effective in water with a pH between 5 and 7 and ineffective in alkaline (higher pH) water. An activated carbon filter may be necessary to remove residual chlorine or small amounts of remaining hydrogen sulfide.
- Water heater modification is necessary when hydrogen sulfide is causing an odor within the water heating system. Replacing the magnesium corrosion control rod with one made of aluminum or other metals usually improves the situation, however, you should check the manufacturer’s warranty on the water heater to make sure you aren’t voiding the warranty.
In addition to the above, there are many other types of systems to remove bad tastes & odors, sediment and many other objectionable minerals and contaminants in the water. Starting with a water test and analysis will guide to the right approach. For more on other bad odors and tastes in water found in this region, see link at https://h2ocare.com/bad-odor-taste/.
H2O Care is an established, regional full service water filtration and testing organization, originally formed in 1989. See our published articles in Water Technology Magazines at http://www.h2ocare.com. Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org or 800-539-1100.