Your household relies on the water that comes out of your faucets for a variety of uses. However, no one wants to drink, cook, clean, or bathe with water that has a strange smell. Unfortunately, this is a common problem in many homes that can be due to contamination or a variety of natural causes. Here are some of the unpleasant odors you may experience and the reasons behind them.

What Causes Common Water Smells?

1. Rotten Eggs

When water has a sulfuric smell that's reminiscent of rotten eggs, it's typically because there's bacteria growth in the supply. This can come from organic matter accumulating in the drain, such as hair and food particles, or the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas in a water heater that hasn't been turned on for an extended period. Bacteria can also grow in private wells due to the natural chemistry in groundwater or a nearby septic system that's failing.

2. Musty, Moldy, or Fishy

The nose can be particularly sensitive to moldy and fishy odors. These generally occur when there’s decaying matter trapped in the drain or a polluted well. In either case, bacteria are usually present. Moldy-smelling water is often attributed to fungi or algae growing in the supply, while a fishy smell may indicate high levels of barium or cadmium that have leached into the water from deteriorating pipes, industrial waste, or fertilizer contamination.

3. Chlorine or Bleach

Municipal water treatment facilities routinely add chlorine to water as a way to disinfect it. While it's not detectable under normal circumstances, tap water will begin to smell like chlorine when an excessive amount has been used. This chemical can also react with organic materials that are already in the drainpipes, which will produce an especially pungent bleach odor.

If your water has an unsavory aroma, turn to Holmes Water Treatment Co for help finding a solution. They offer top quality filtration systems designed to remove contaminants and impurities for cleaner, tastier water. For more than 40 years, they’ve been providing residents throughout St. Charles, St. Peters, and Warrenton, MO, with high-grade options that can be customized to fit each household’s unique needs. Call (636) 327-6404 to speak with a water treatment specialist today, or visit them online to learn more about their services.