Private wells provide a steady supply of clean water for drinking and household tasks, such as cooking and cleaning. On occasion, you might notice unpleasant smells emanating from your faucets and fixtures. Though not necessarily indicative of health or safety issues, you might need a water well maintenance team to test the fluids and provide filtration. Here are a handful of common odors and what they mean.

4 Common Water Supply Odors

1. Earthy

Surface drainage and decaying organic matter can cause earthy or musty odors that stem from iron bacteria. Though typically in trace quantities and not harmful to human health, these aromas may interfere with your experience of drinking water and taking a shower. A water well maintenance team can clean out the reservoir or install an activated carbon filter to remove bacteria and eliminate smells. 

2. Sulfurous

If your water supply smells sulfurous, or like rotten eggs, the most common culprit is bacterial buildups in the water tank. Though harmless from a health perspective, these unpleasant stenches may deter you from wanting to wash dishes, vegetables, or your hands. Since magnesium rods in water tanks tend to collect bacteria, allowing a well contractor to replace yours with an aluminum rod can reduce buildups and foul aromas. 

3. Chemical

You might also notice chlorine or bleach-like smells after a contractor shocks your water well to remove contaminants. If the odors persist after running your water for a few minutes, a water well maintenance team may need to flush the system to remove unhealthy levels of chlorine. 

4. Fuel-Like 

Though uncommon, you might notice the smell of gasoline or petroleum when you run your water. Whether the result of agricultural runoff or a leaking fuel tank, these chemicals can have serious health consequences, such as anemia and kidney failure, when you ingest them in drinking water. After reporting the issue to your local health department, have a water well maintenance team install a carbon filter to remove all traces of noxious fuels. 

Keep your home water supply clean and healthy with help from the team at Marshall Eye Jr. Water Well Drilling & Repair Service. This well drilling contractor provides water well maintenance to properties throughout Potosi, MO. Call (314) 541-6239 to schedule well inspections or repairs. Visit the website to learn more about the water well drilling and construction process.