Whether your water comes from a public system or private well, it’s probably deemed safe for drinking, bathing and cooking. However, there are many sources of pollution that may alter the taste and smell of your water—and impact your health, as well. A quality water filter can help ensure the taste and clarity of your water—while preventing contact with dangerous contaminants and mineral pollutants like iron and sulfur.

Sources of Groundwater Contamination

• Pesticides and fertilizers: Seeping into rural water systems, common agricultural chemicals like nitrites and herbicides can taint groundwater sources with disease-causing pollutants.
• Landfills: As residents and commercial entities dispose of hazardous waste and mounds of garbage, rainfall carries soluble contaminants into groundwater systems below the dumping areas. Septic tank leaks may also endanger private and public water supplies.
• Microorganisms: In areas of high flooding and overwhelming wildlife populations, bacteria, fungi and parasites can cause groundwater pollution.
• Radon: A color and odor-free gas, radon is produced through the breakdown of uranium deposits. While small amounts of radon are present in many water sources, high levels may lead to increased cancer risks.
• Sulfur: Formed by the decay of plants and other organic materials, sulfur is not a known health hazard. It does, however, cause water to take on an unpleasant, “rotten” odor and taste. A water filter can prevent this undesirable effect.
• Iron: Leached into groundwater from rock formations and high-mineral soil, iron can also impact the taste of your water supply. While it doesn’t generally cause health problems, iron builds up on faucets, fixtures and tubs—leading to unsightly deposits that are hard to remove. When you invest in a water filter, water tastes better and kitchen/bathroom fixtures are easier to clean and maintain.

If your primary water source is a private well, it’s especially important to invest in a water filter and regularly test water for contaminants. And while public water systems have fairly diligent testing schedules, the potential for water contamination still exists. If you’re concerned about protecting your family from water pollutants and maintaining your water’s quality taste and smell, consider installing a proven water filter. A reputable filtration system can improve water quality, remove sulfur and iron, and prevent the chemical spread that may adversely affect your health and well-being.

A common complaint about local tap or well water is that it occasionally has a sulphur (or, rotten egg) smell.  This is caused by Hydrogen Sulfide gas (H2S) that occurs naturally, and gives water its trademark “rotten egg” smell and taste.

Is Sulphur Smelling Water Dangerous?
Most of the time, no.  A sulphur smell in your water likely doesn’t relate to the sanitary level of your water.  However, it IS possible that exposure to sewage or other pollution, and you should have your local Culligan Dealer test your water.

Here are a couple general tips to go by when identifying the source of your sulphur smelling water:

• If the smell is only from the hot water faucet the problem is likely to be in the water heater.

• If the smell is in both the hot and cold faucets, but only from the water treated by a water softener and not in the untreated water the problem is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the water softener.

• If the smell is strong when the water in both the hot and cold faucets is first turned on, and it diminishes or goes away after the water has run, or if the smell varies through time the problems is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the well or distribution system.

• If the smell is strong  when the water in both the hot and cold faucets is first turned on and is more or less constant and persists with use the problem is likely to be hydrogen sulfide gas in the groundwater.

An easy solution to this is to set up a whole home water treatment system – such as the reverse osmosis water softening equipment provided by Culligan dealers in your area.