A reliable well provides your home with a fresh supply of clean water every day of the year. It should be pure in every way, from its appearance to its smell. If you detect an odor, it’s important to have a water well service provider perform an inspection to determine the cause. There are several issues that could affect the structure, all of which can be resolved by a professional. Here are three of them.

Why Does Your Well Water Have an Odor?

1. Too Much Iron

If the water has an earthy type of aroma reminiscent of must or dirt, it may be due to elevated levels of iron bacteria. That’s a direct result of increased iron content in the water supply. In this situation, a harsh odor alone likely isn’t the only symptom; you might also notice that the water tastes bad and that some of your fixtures have a slimy, reddish cast. A water treatment designed to filtrate the iron will help resolve this issue.

2. Hydrogen Sulfide Gas

The smell of rotten eggs coming from the water can be potent. It’s typically caused by a lack of oxygen in the well coupled with sulfur bacteria in the water. This creates hydrogen sulfide, which in turn generates the unpleasant aroma of rotten eggs. The resolution here involves pumping additional oxygen, along with carbon, into the well. Your water well service provider will then kill off the sulfur bacteria to restore the water to normal.

3. Elevated Organic Materials

Sometimes the water takes on a fishy aroma. The strong odor is usually the result of an abundance of organic materials. Elements like barium and cadmium occur naturally in groundwater, and they can cause the water to take on that telltale smell. Homeowners alone cannot resolve this issue, but a water well service technician can try several solutions, such as rebalancing the content of the organic materials.

Are you concerned about an unusual odor emanating from your well water? Let the team at Morgan Well & Pump Inc take a look. Serving clients throughout Kannapolis, NC, since 1948, the water well service provider offers a variety of options to ensure that your home’s water supply is clean and safe. In addition to inspections and repairs, they provide irrigation services, install water treatments, and perform general maintenance. Visit the website for more information, or call (704) 933-0479 to schedule an appointment.