This is typically caused by sulfur in the water. There are two forms of sulfurs that can appear in water: hydrogen sulfide gas, and sulfate salt. Hydrogen sulfide can have a rotten egg smell & taste. Hydrogen sulfide can also be responsible for tarnished silverware and yellow or black stains on kitchen or bathroom fixtures and can cause pipe corrosion.

Hydrogen sulfide is corrected by an oxidizing method that will remove contaminants from water through a chemical reaction. Aerating is the process of exposing water to pure oxygen. The oxidation process is designed to convert the hydrogen sulfide gas to a solid that can be mechanically removed.

The “Rotten Egg” odor can also be the result of sulfur reducing bacteria. (SRB’s) Although they don’t present a health risk, SRB’s can result in odor, staining, & mechanical problems throughout the plumbing and related appliances. The most common way to treat for SRB’s is with extended exposure to bactericidal levels of chlorine. Unique cases may require pH adjustments and contact times in excess of 48 hours.