How do I fix my smelly well water?
To fix well water that smells bad, use one of these approaches:
- Aerate water and/or inject air or oxygen.
- Chlorinate well water to eliminate both sulfur and bacteria.
- Use ozone gas in a closed tank or atmospheric tank.
- Inject hydrogen peroxide.
Is smelly well water safe?
In most cases drinking water that has a strong rotten egg odor, although particularly unpleasant, is perfectly safe to drink. However in some rare occasions the odor may be caused by sewage or other contaminates in a building’s water supply, which could cause health problems.
What is the most likely cause of this smell in well water?
The foul smell usually comes from a lack of oxygen in a well, which produces hydrogen sulfide gas. It can also occur as a result of sulfur-containing chemical reactions in the groundwater. The system uses air and water to eliminate chemicals and other contaminants found in well water.
Why does my well water smell like something dead?
Decaying organic matter in the well storage/pressure tank The well storage/pressure tank may also be the source of the odor. Certain types of algae, fungi, and bacteria can grow in the tank, especially during warm weather, and may affect water odor.
Can I pour bleach down my well?
Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one. Pour it into the well without pumping.
Why does well water stink?
Certain “sulfur bacteria” in the groundwater, in the well water itself, or in the plumbing system can create this gas that smells bad. Chemical reactions inside water heaters can also produce sulfur bacteria. In rare cases, pollution can cause the gas to form. Sulfur bacteria are not harmful.
How can I naturally purify my well water?
Liquid chlorine in the form of household bleach and food grade white vinegar can be used to disinfect your well. When chlorine is added to water the pH level will rise. Food grade white vinegar is used to lower the water’s pH level so the chlorine will work effectively.
How do you get the sulfur smell out of well water?
Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Often keeps odors away for 1 – 2 months. 2. Chlorinator: Install a chlorine injector system (chlorinator) on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.
Why does my water smell like sulfur all of a sudden?
If your water smells strongly of sulfur, or rotten eggs, it is likely attributed to the presence of “sulfur bacteria” or hydrogen sulfide. Reactions caused by the magnesium rod and aluminum in your water heater produce hydrogen sulfide gas, yielding a stronger sulfur scent when you use the hot water.
Will Shocking well get rid of sulfur smell?
1. Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Often keeps odors away for 1 – 2 months.
How much does it cost to disinfect a well?
To disinfect your well and eliminate the bacteria, you should chlorinate the well. You can hire a company that services wells to do the chlorinating. The cost ranges from $80 – $200.
Why does my well water smell so bad?
There are multiple reasons why your water might smell, but here are six of the most common reasons for smelly water. A common smell for those who receive their water from a well is a fishy or musty odor. A buildup of bacteria around the source of your well water is the most likely culprit of this unappetizing smell.
What’s causing that smell from your well water?
A fishy smell coming off of your well water is usually caused by organic metals like barium and cadmium. These metals leech out from bits of buried ore mixed into the soil. Though the fishy smell might make the water less than palatable, it is not harmful to ingest.
What causes smelly well water?
The most common cause of dirty well water is simply a broken well pipe that is allowing dirt and surface run-off water to enter the well water. This can leave the water with an odor, bad taste and dirt in the bottom of your drinking glasses.
What makes my well water smell like rotten eggs?
It isn’t uncommon to experience an odd smell coming from your water, especially if your water source is a well or other still supply. Water that smells strongly of sulfur, or like rotten eggs, is likely attributed to the presence of “sulfur bacteria” or hydrogen sulfide.