what makes my well water smell like rotten eggs { sulfer}.. is it safe to drink?

Answer 1

Sulfur can give the smell of rotten eggs. But also high Iron can do the same . According to the Health Department is safe to drink.

I beg to differ since it colors my porcelain dishes purple, clothes orange (all Cotton blends) and when I first tried to brew tea or coffee it turned out purple in color.

I use it to wash dishes. It has also turned my hair "orange" since it is our only source of water to bathe in.

Due to the coloring problems I don't use it for cooking or to water my animals anymore. I buy tons of bottled water.

I figured that if it colors dishes purple and clothes orange? What could it do to my families health? I use bottled water to bathe my daughter. I still use the well water to bath myself, but as I said, I have "orange hair". I have called the local health department and they tell me that it is safe to drink.

My property has an "iron ore vein" running through it, is what I am told, so to bore a new well would be pointless.

Answer 2

What you have is sulfur in your water. It combines with the oxygen to give off the rotten egg smell. Unless you have an allergy to sulfur and sulfur compounds, it won't hurt you to drink although I am not sure how you would get past your nose to do it. There is an area of Oklahoma around a town called Sulfur, known for the water of this type. People drink it their entire lives without noticeable troubles. In older days, when people had no knowledge of antibiotics, water from springs of this sort used to be associated with their healing properties and health benefits. Most of the smell will dissipate after exposure to the open air, after a time depending on the amount of sulfur in the water to begin with, but if you put it in a jar in the fridge for cold water and cover it, you will notice the smell again on opening. It smells worse warm or hot than it does cold, though. It will tend to make your clothes take on a yellowish hue if washed in it, though, so if this is your only choice of water, I'd suggest a filter to remove it. Local health officials will be able to assist you in finding a place to have your water analyzed, and be able to give you more information about what to do. Sometimes the local agriculture department agent, farm agent or such can also provide assistance. If you are allergic to sulfur, though, you might as well move unless you can get a better water supply.

Answer 3

I work for a health department, and I can asked this daily. It is hydrogen sulfide (not straight up sulfur). JimZ is right.

It is safe, but stinks. It is more common nowadays, because it exists in a reducing environment, and our wells are deeper and water systems more air tight. Some people chlorinate their well (call a well driller), but usually it comes back within six months. Your best bet is to call a water conditioning company (like Culligan, etc.).

Answer 4

I grew up in a home with sulfer in the water and it never hurt me or my family one bit. Though I don't think you would want to drink it because it doesnt taste very good though i drank it when I was realy thirsty.

Answer 5

If it's well water yes its sulfer and safe but you may want to get a filter for your well.

Answer 6

From wikipedia:
Hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulphide in British English), H2S, is a colorless, toxic, flammable gas that is responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence. It often results when bacteria break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, such as in swamps, and sewers (alongside the process of anaerobic digestion). It also occurs in volcanic gases, natural gas and some well waters.

Hydrogen sulfide is also known as sulfane, sulfur hydride, sour gas, sulfurated hydrogen, hydrosulfuric acid, sewer gas and stink damp. IUPAC accepts the names "hydrogen sulfide" and "sulfane"; the latter one is used exclusively when naming more complicated compounds.

Answer 7

Why would you want to drink water that smelled like rotten eggs.

Answer 8

When I had well water it done the same thing & I wouldnt drink it. It turned my hair a funny color & ruined our clothes. I had to buy this stuff by nexxus to get the funny color out of my hair. I had to buy all new clothes. It was costing me more money to have the well water so I moved to the city.

Answer 9

Lots of well water smells like sulpher. To be safe, get it tested.

Answer 10

sulfur yes but I would get a water filter.the human body can only take so much of sulfur than the person will began to have problems.