Bad Smelling Water:
Rotten eggs? Chlorine? Dirt?
Regardless the odor, it’s unappetizing and embarrassing
If you have bad-smelling drinking water, you’re not alone. Few things are a bigger turn-off than turning on the tap and being greeted by the unpleasant smell of bad well water. While it may not always be dangerous, it’s certainly not something you want to tolerate.
When you work with U.S. Water, we’ll help you understand the cause and the potential risks involved. We’ll provide practical solutions to ensure your water is not only safe but also odor-free.
What’s causing your water to smell bad?
There are many factors that contribute to unpleasant odors in your household’s water. Although these issues commonly arise from well water, even city water can develop disagreeable smells. The most noticeable odors often manifest in areas exposed to heat and steam, like showers, dishwashers, and during cooking.
However, most complaints are normally associated with water used for drinking water or brushing teeth.
If your water smells like:
| Rotten eggs | One of the most common culprits for smelly well water is sulfur. It can give your water a rotten egg or sewage-like odor. Sulfur can enter your well water through natural geological processes or from decaying organic matter in the ground. |
| Musty | Is there slime in your toilet tank? Is there evidence of iron in your water; like red stains on fixtures or on laundry? This could mean iron bacteria in your water. While it’s not a health risk, it is a nuisance. |
| Sewage | Bacteria, especially sulfate-reducing bacteria, can thrive in well water and produce hydrogen sulfide gas, causing a distinct, foul odor. |
| Gasoline | If the problem started suddenly and there is a possibility of a gas spill nearby, stop using the water until it is tested. If gasoline is ruled out, it could be iron or sulfur bacteria. |
Is bad-smelling water a health risk?
In most cases, well water that bad-smelling drinking water is not dangerous to your health, but it can be incredibly unpleasant to use. However, if the odor is due to bacterial contamination, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent potential health risks associated with harmful bacteria. For more information on contaminants and state water standards, see the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice a persistent or strong odor in your well water, it’s essential to call a professional for testing and treatment. You should seek professional help in the following situations:
- Sudden Change in Smell: A sudden shift in your water’s odor could indicate contamination.
- Health Concerns: If the smell is accompanied by health issues like nausea, headaches, or skin irritation, seek help immediately.
- Staining: If your water causes staining on fixtures or laundry, there may be high levels of minerals or contaminants.
How U.S. Water Can Help
U.S. Water is here to support you in identifying and solving any issues with your well water. Here’s how we can help:
Comprehensive Water Testing: We offer water testing services to identify the specific cause of the bad smell in your well water. Our state-certified lab uses advanced technology to provide accurate results.
Customized Treatment Solutions: Once we’ve identified the cause, our team can recommend customized water treatment solutions tailored to your needs.
Expert Guidance and Support: Our experienced professionals will guide you through the process, explaining the options available and answering any questions you may have.
Installation and Maintenance: We provide installation and maintenance services for water treatment systems, ensuring your well water remains fresh and safe.
Regular Monitoring: We offer ongoing support to monitor the quality of your well water and make adjustments as needed.
The Right Solution Starts with an Accurate Test
U.S. Water offers complete well water testing services through its Wisconsin state-certified water testing lab. This ensures the most accurate testing and, with our test facility onsite, you are guaranteed a fast turnaround time. In addition to our basic analysis, we offer a full range of certified water tests and well inspection services.
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715-842-2215