Hydrogen Sulfide in Well Water: Everything You Should Know

Hydrogen sulfide is the main cause of the rotten egg smell in your well water. The hydrogen sulfide gas is produced by sulfur bacteria found in water.

How Can You Detect Hydrogen Sulfide in Water?

Detection of hydrogen sulfide in your water source is not easy unless the concentration is very high. Nevertheless, the strong odor, among other telltale signs, can help you determine if hydrogen sulfide is present in your well. Here are common signs:

• Change in the normal color of your well water to black or brown, signifying the presence of bacterial sulfur lime.
• Change in the appearance of your plumbing pipes or the well walls.
• Change in the appearance of your plumbing equipment and fixtures due to corrosion.

You can test your water to ascertain if hydrogen sulfide is the cause of the above changes in your water and plumbing fixtures.

Is Hydrogen Sulfide Harmful to Your Health?

The characteristic rotten egg smell in well water can cause worries anxiety. Too much exposure to that smell can cause fatigue, headache, and irritation to people with asthma.

The risk threshold entirely depends on the level of concentration. The health effects may be higher if the concentration of the gas in your water surpasses 1mg/L.

How Can You Remove Hydrogen Sulfide From Your Well?

Aeration

Since hydrogen sulfide is a gas, experts inject air into the well so that the gas (hydrogen sulfide) can escape. The aeration method is the safest as the method does not add more chemicals to the well.

Do you have a rotten egg smell in your well? If so, contact Action Well and Pump today for a fast solution. We offer same-day service, inclusive of free inspection and cost estimates.