Rotten-Egg Odor
The most common odor in well water is this area is described as a "rotten-egg" odor. This offensive odor comes from hydrogen sulfide gas - sulphur. Treatments available for this problem include: Chlorine Injection or Aeration. Affordable Water prefers to use aeration as it is environmentally friendly and has no chemical byproducts. Aeration is 100% effective and has the advantage of eliminating homeowner maintenance. Please contact a sales representative to learn about our Iron Guard System using aeration. Be sure to look for the new aeration technology which prevents flow restrictions.
Musty, Earthy, Fishy Odor
This type of odor may indicate the presence of organic (non-pathogenic) matter. The most common method of treatment for this type of odor is activated carbon filtration or chlorination followed by carbon filtration. It is helpful to attempt to diagnose the cause of the odor so that proper treatment is designed. You may also test your well water for bacteria and nitrates to confirm portability of the water.
Metallic Odor
Metals such as Iron and Copper (due to acidic water conditions) can impart a metallic odor. An on-site analysis will verify their presence. If the water is acidic or has iron, the appropriate filtration system would be recommended. See Acid Water or Iron Filtration.
ODOR IN HOT WATER ONLY
When a "sewage" or rotten-egg odor is present in hot water only, it may come from the anode rod in the hot water heater. Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum rod. At this time, the hot water heater should also be chlorinated. A repeat chlorination may be necessary.
The most common odor in well water is this area is described as a "rotten-egg" odor. This offensive odor comes from hydrogen sulfide gas - sulphur. Treatments available for this problem include: Chlorine Injection or Aeration. Affordable Water prefers to use aeration as it is environmentally friendly and has no chemical byproducts. Aeration is 100% effective and has the advantage of eliminating homeowner maintenance. Please contact a sales representative to learn about our Iron Guard System using aeration. Be sure to look for the new aeration technology which prevents flow restrictions.
Musty, Earthy, Fishy Odor
This type of odor may indicate the presence of organic (non-pathogenic) matter. The most common method of treatment for this type of odor is activated carbon filtration or chlorination followed by carbon filtration. It is helpful to attempt to diagnose the cause of the odor so that proper treatment is designed. You may also test your well water for bacteria and nitrates to confirm portability of the water.
Metallic Odor
Metals such as Iron and Copper (due to acidic water conditions) can impart a metallic odor. An on-site analysis will verify their presence. If the water is acidic or has iron, the appropriate filtration system would be recommended. See Acid Water or Iron Filtration.
ODOR IN HOT WATER ONLY
When a "sewage" or rotten-egg odor is present in hot water only, it may come from the anode rod in the hot water heater. Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum rod. At this time, the hot water heater should also be chlorinated. A repeat chlorination may be necessary.
