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Strange smells coming from your water can be puzzling and distressing, and the issue can affect even the most diligent owners of wells. While you might assume that your water supply has been contaminated or damaged, there are numerous possible causes for odd odors coming from your tap. Below, learn more about the possible causes of smells and what you need to do about them.

Rotten Egg Odors

The presence of sulfur-producing bacteria or sulfurous chemicals is by far the most likely explanation for a rotten egg smell. This nasty-smelling gas builds up in wells without sufficient oxygen, causing the odor to leak from your taps.

To eliminate this odor, install an aeration system to introduce plenty of oxygen and carbon into your water supply. If bacteria are the culprits, install an oxidation system to use substances like chlorine or ozone to kill the offending organisms.

Fishy Odors

wellsThis type of smell isn’t due to fish living in your well, but instead elevated levels of substances like chloramines, barium, or cadmium. Chloramines are often found in water sources as a disinfectant, and higher levels have distinctively organic smells. Cadmium and barium are naturally-occurring metals found in soil and groundwater, which can easily seep into your well water through deteriorated pipes or due to fertilizer contamination.

These can be efficiently removed with the use of reverse osmosis filters, which block organic compounds from producing fishy smells. Carbon filters, which are essentially charcoal, can also be effective due to their exceptional absorption capacities.

Earthy Odors

There’s generally one common cause behind a dirt-like smell in your water, which is the presence of iron-oxidizing bacteria. These microscopic organisms use iron as an energy source, readily finding meals in the plumbing used in wells. While this isn’t generally harmful, it can leave your water smelling musty, and tasting like it, too. Signs of their presence include slimy residue in toilet tanks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures.

To fix this issue, equip your water supply with a chlorination system to kill off the bacteria. Then, use an iron filtration system to remove iron particles that could attract a second wave of the organisms.

  If you’re experiencing odd or unpleasant smells in your well water, contact Oehler Pump & Well Service in Charlotte, NC, for advice and assistance in resolving the issue. This family-owned business has offered reliable services, including well drilling, pump repair, and water filtration, since 1970. To request an estimate, call (704) 875-2209 or visit them online for more information.
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