Well water can contain hydrogen sulfide, a gas that causes a rotten-egg smell
Sulfur is a naturally occurring compound created by bacteria that can be found in well water. The combination of oxygen and sulfur forms sulfates, which, when combined with hydrogen, forms hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is the source for the rotten-egg smell found in some well water. The gas is generally not dangerous in the small doses found in water, but can cause nausea and illness in large doses. These concentrations are rare, but happen most often in tightly enclosed spaces, such as basements, well pits and well houses; venting these areas eliminates that risk. Hydrogen sulfide in water can be caused by several sources, so the method of removing the smell can vary. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Get the well water tested to make sure that sulfates are the cause of your problem. Occasionally, hydrogen sulfide is present due to bacteria from sewage or pollution and a water test will detect this. If coliform bacteria or nitrates are present, get advice from your local department of health on treat your water.
2. Determine the source of the gas. After being out of the house for a few hours, turn on your taps one at a time. If the smell comes only from the hot water or is in softened water, your water heater or water softener could be the source. If it comes from both faucets, but goes away in a minute, it is probably from sulfur bacteria in your water or pipes. If it is constant, then it is due to gas in your groundwater.
3. Remove the magnesium corrosion control rod from your hot water heater and plug the hole or replace with an alternative rod, such as an aluminum one. Have the heater cleaned out afterwards with a chlorine bleach solution to remove any sulfur bacteria residue---this is best done by a professional. Temporarily turn up the water temperature to 160 degrees to kill off any remaining bacteria in the heater.
4. Disinfect the water softener or treatment systems using the method recommended by the manufacturer or installer. Different systems have different procedures and you may need to call in a professional.
5. Disinfect the well with a shock treatment of chlorinated water. Depending on the level of bacteria in the well itself, you may need to have the well walls scrubbed in addition to chlorination treatment. Consult information, such as the Minnesota Department of Health's fact sheet on disinfecting a well, or consult with your local department of health or a professional.
6. Install a filter to remove hydrogen sulfide. Low levels of 1 to 5 parts per million (ppm) can be removed with an activated carbon filter. Higher levels of up to 7 ppm are best handled by an oxidizing filter that uses manganese dioxide coated sand to change the gas into sulfur particles that are then trapped by the filter.
7. Inject an oxidizer, such as potassium permanganate or household bleach, into the water source upstream from the storage tank so that the chemical is in contact with the water for 30 to 45 minutes. Speak with a professional or your local department of health for placement advice. This should be used in conjunction with a filtering system that removes sulfur particles and excess chlorine.
8. Use an alternative water source if the groundwater is the culprit. Since the bacteria are present in the area of rock where the well is contained, changing the location or depth of the well can have an impact on the amount of hydrogen sulfide. You may also have the ability to tap into public water for household use from your location; check with your local board of health or water authority.
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