From: "Gary Slusser" 
Newsgroups: alt.home.repair misc.consumers.house alt.consumers misc.rural
Subject: Re: well water, sulfur smell
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2003 05:00:04 GMT


"Chris Szilagyi"  wrote
> Hello,
>
> I was curious if anybody could provide some feedback with a well water
> question. I've read other posts, but they don't quite answer my direct
> questions.
> I've got a gravel well with a water softener, all about a year old.
> The well's hardness was quite high, around 22 if I can recall
> correctly.
>
> We are getting a slight sulfur smell in both bathroom sinks (when
> faucet is first turned on... it goes away after a minute or so), as
> well as with water directly from the well.  And also, the dishwasher
> sometimes has a fishy smell after a cycle.  Is there anything that can
> be added to the softener to take care of this, that is safe to
> drink???  I've been told there is salt that is made for problem water.
>  I'd rather not buy a filter, but if it would be necessary, what would
> be a recommended system to get????
>
> I really appreciate all information.
> Thanks,
> --
> Chris

It could be naturally occurring H2S or you're developing a sulfate (or
iron or manganese) reducing bacteria problem in the well and plumbing. A
trace amount of H2S in the well water will migrate to the highest point
in the plumbing after the water has been sitting for some time. Or to
the most infrequently used faucets. The bacteria is not harmful, nor is
the H2S unless you have an awful high amount of it although you can
smell a very small amount and it will tarnish silverware etc..

There are many types of treatment for H2S and IMO an air pump system is
best if the rest of your water analysis would be conducive for one.

Chlorinating the well can in some cases, make the situation worse if
there are any slime forming bacteria present. They cause a protective
layer that can eventually form a hard encrustation that will protect
bacteria under it and will not be penetrated by chlorine. Chlorine is
only good as a disinfectant in the right pH range, which is in the low
end of the pH range.

If you can't or wouldn't want to install equipment yourself, you need a
water treatment dealer. In the mean time sanitize your softener by using
non-scented household bleach, one cup poured into the water in the salt
tank and do a manual regeneration. If you get any on metal, rinse it off
with fresh water. Only do this every few months, chlorine shortens the
life of resin. Kinda like driving uses up brakes no biggie if done
'right', which in this case is not done more than needed. So if that
doesn't improve the odor problem, don't continue to do it.

Gary
Quality Water Associates