Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
The rotten egg smell in water is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas — produced naturally by sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB) in groundwater or your water heater's anode rod. It's very common in SC and NC well water.
Common Causes
- Sulfur-reducing bacteria in your well or aquifer
- Corroding magnesium anode rod in your water heater
- Naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide in coastal plain groundwater
- Decaying organic matter in the water source
The Fix
Air injection oxidizing filtration is the approach most commonly used for hydrogen sulfide in well water. When the odor originates in the water heater, replacing the anode rod or shock-treating the heater is the usual remedy. ClearFlow tests your water to identify the source and recommend an appropriate approach.
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