Water that smells like rotten eggs has been exposed to hydrogen sulfide.
The water in your house should be fresh and clear and good to drink. If your water smells like rotten eggs, then you have a bacterial infestation somewhere in your water supply. Does this Spark an idea?
Bacteria
Water that smells like rotten eggs is caused when hydrogen sulfide is dissolved in the water. Sulfur-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide. If the bacteria are living in your water heater, the smell will get into your house water, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Causes
Sulfur-reducing bacteria infest a water heater when the heater has been turned off for a while or when the temperature is kept below 140 degrees, according to the Ohio State University Extension. If your water heater contains a magnesium rod, you are at greater risk for the bacteria to develop.
Solution
You can kill the bacteria in the water heater by turning the temperature up to over 140 degrees and leaving it there for several hours. Flush out the water that smells like rotten eggs and allow the heater to fill again. To stop the bacteria and foul smell from returning, you might need to replace the magnesium rod in your water heater. Consult a plumbing professional before making any alterations to the unit.
Tags: water heater, your water, like rotten eggs, rotten eggs, smells like rotten