How to Fix a Sulphur Water Problem

Sulfur, in the form of sulfates, is found in most water system but especially in well water. An excess of sulfur encourages the growth of sulfur bacteria, which change the sulfates into hydrogen sulfide and give well water a musty or rotten egg smell. Excess sulfate makes water taste off and can cause diarrhea and dehydration, but the body adapts over a short time. Too much sulfate in the water, when combined with chlorine bleach, results in difficulties in cleaning clothes. Sulfur bacteria produce slime inside pipes and tanks that can cause clogging, as well as blacken water, leaving stains on surfaces and fixtures. A sulfate level under 250 parts per million is considered safe. Sulfates can be safely removed from water before it enters the home.

Instructions

• 1

  Have your water tested to determine the amount of sulfur in the water. Different levels of sulfates require different treatment programs to meet your needs.

• 2

  Talk to your doctor and local health department about risks from the sulfate level in your water before determining if you need to treat the water or use an alternate water source. Treatment may not be cost effective, since treatment systems can be costly and inefficient.

• 3

  Use distillation to treat smaller amounts of water, such as water used for drinking and cooking, if the natural water does not contain a large amount of sulfates. This consists of a boiling chamber that heats the water into steam, then cools and re-condenses the purified water in a second chamber. The sulfur and other impurities will settle to the bottom of the boiling chamber and can be removed.

• 4

  Filter the water using a reverse osmosis system. This system uses a membrane that lets water molecules to cross, but leaves molecules like sulfur behind.

• 5

  Treat large amounts of water with an ion exchange system. This system is effective when the sulfur problem requires all water to be treated. An exchange resin inside the unit absorbs sulfate from the water. This system is similar to a water softener but is effective in removing sulfates only, where a water softener system is not.

• 6

  Look at using bottled water as an alternative water source for drinking and cooking if the sulfate level is too high, but treatment systems are too costly.

• 7

  Consider digging a well in a new location or lengthening or shortening an existing well if a lower sulfate source of groundwater is nearby and accessible. Talk with a professional or your local water authority about possibilities and cost.