Key Facts
- Hydrogen sulfide is detectable by smell at very low concentrations
- It is typically produced by sulfur-reducing bacteria in groundwater
- It is corrosive to plumbing, fixtures, and appliances
- It is commonly reported in SC and NC coastal plain groundwater
- Shock chlorination and oxidation systems are the standard approaches used to address it
The Solution
Air injection oxidizing filters convert hydrogen sulfide to solid sulfur particles that are then filtered out. In higher-concentration cases, chemical feed systems with carbon post-filtration are used. ClearFlow tests your water to determine which approach fits your well.
Related Pages
Related guides
- Well Water Testing SC & NC
- Well Water Treatment Cost in SC & NC
- Whole House Water Filtration in SC & NC
Frequently asked questions
Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?
The rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas, produced by sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) that naturally occur in groundwater in SC and NC's coastal plain geology.
Is hydrogen sulfide in water dangerous?
At typical well water concentrations, hydrogen sulfide is not acutely toxic, but it's highly corrosive to plumbing and appliances, and indicates the presence of sulfur bacteria that can affect water quality.
Does the smell get worse when I run hot water?
Yes — heat releases hydrogen sulfide gas more readily. If the smell is worse in hot water than cold, it's likely coming from sulfur bacteria in your water heater's anode rod.
How do I address sulfur smell in well water?
Air injection oxidizing filtration is the approach most commonly used for hydrogen sulfide in well water. ClearFlow provides free in-home testing and recommends a treatment system based on your measured sulfur level.
How do I test my well for sulfur?
ClearFlow provides free in-home well water testing including hydrogen sulfide. Call (843) 742-1196 to schedule.