When high levels of sulfur are present in your well water, you'll begin to smell an odor akin to rotten eggs. Besides experiencing an unpleasant smell, sulfur-infused water can cause health issues like nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. If you smell sulfur, it's a good idea to have a professional test the water in your home water system. Here is what you need to know about the causes of and solutions to this issue.

Causes

Pure sulfur actually has no smell at all. However, chemicals in the water, such as mercaptan, thiols, or similar additives, produce an egglike aroma that can alert you to problems with your well water or home water system.

There are a couple of different reasons that sulfur may be making its way into your water supply. First, sulfates are naturally present in soil and rocks. Over time, they start to dissolve, and in their reduced state, they are better able to leach into groundwater, which is the source of your well water.

In some cases, sulfur water can be the result of pollution in the local environment. Sulfur might seep into your well water from nearby sewage sources — like a leaking septic tank, for example — or from chemicals improperly disposed of in the ground or water in your immediate area.

Solutions

While small amounts of sulfur are generally considered safe, you still want to remove it as much as possible from your home water system. The water will be cleaner, taste and smell better, and be more comfortable to use for your personal care and household needs.

The first step is to get your water tested by a professional. This will determine the exact cause of the sulfur smell and rule out the presence of other contaminants. From there, the provider can recommend the best course of action. This might involve aeration, which reduces sulfide levels by adding air to the well water; adding a hydrogen peroxide product, which neutralizes sulfides through oxidation; or installing an iron removal filter, which reacts with the sulfur and eliminates it.

Schedule a test of your well water by contacting Affordable Pump & Well Repair. With more than 45 years of industry experience, they serve the La Crosse, WI, area. They provide water testing, home water system installation, well inspections, and well and pump repairs. Call (608) 788-6451 to request a quote, or visit their website to browse their services.