Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell?

The rotten egg odor in water is caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) — a naturally occurring gas dissolved in groundwater. Florida's geology, particularly the limestone aquifer that supplies most Citrus County wells, creates conditions where sulfur-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide as a byproduct.

The smell can come from your cold water, hot water, or both. If it's stronger from the hot water, your water heater may be amplifying the problem — the warm environment accelerates bacterial activity.

Is It Dangerous?

At the low concentrations typically found in residential well water, hydrogen sulfide is not a health hazard. However, it can be corrosive to pipes and fixtures, and it indicates the presence of sulfur bacteria that may affect water quality in other ways. It's always worth testing your water to understand the full picture.

How to Fix It

• Air injection oxidation systems — the most effective solution for most homes
• Activated carbon filtration — effective for lower H2S levels
• Chlorination systems — for severe cases or iron bacteria
• Water heater anode rod replacement — if smell is only from hot water

The right solution depends on your H2S levels and whether iron or other contaminants are also present. A free water test from Aqua Logic will identify exactly what you're dealing with.