Regardless the odor, it’s unappetizing and embarrassing
If you have bad-smelling drinking water, you’re not alone.
Few things are as off-putting as turning on the tap and encountering the unpleasant odor of bad well water. While it might not always pose a danger, it’s certainly not something you want to tolerate.
When you partner with U.S. Water, we’ll assist you in understanding the cause and potential risks involved. We’ll offer practical solutions to ensure your water is not only safe but also free from odor.
What’s causing your water to smell bad?
There are various factors contributing to unpleasant odors in your household’s water. Although these issues often arise from well water, even city water can develop disagreeable smells.
The most noticeable odors tend to appear in areas exposed to heat and steam, such as showers, dishwashers, and during cooking. However, most complaints are typically associated with water used for drinking or brushing teeth.
If your water smells like:
| Rotten eggs | One of the most common culprits for smelly well water is sulfur. It can give your water a rotten egg or sewage-like odor. Sulfur can enter your well water through natural geological processes or from decaying organic matter in the ground. |
| Musty | Musty: The presence of slime in your toilet tank or evidence of iron in your water, like red stains on fixtures or laundry, could indicate iron bacteria. While it’s not a health risk, it can be a nuisance. |
| Sewage | Bacteria, especially sulfate-reducing bacteria, can grow in well water and produce hydrogen sulfide gas, causing a distinct, foul odor. |
| Gasoline | If the problem started suddenly and there is a possibility of a gas spill nearby, stop using the water until it is tested. If gasoline is ruled out, it could be iron or sulfur bacteria. |
Is bad-smelling water a health risk?
Typically, bad-smelling drinking water doesn’t pose a health hazard, but it can be extremely unpleasant to use. However, there is an exception. If the odor is caused by bacterial contamination, it could cause a health risk and should be addressed immediately.
For more information on contaminants and state water standards, see the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice a persistent or strong odor in your well water, it’s essential to call a professional for testing and treatment. You should seek professional help in the following situations:
- Sudden Change in Smell: A sudden shift in your water’s odor could indicate contamination.
- Health Concerns: If the smell is accompanied by health issues like nausea, headaches, or skin irritation, seek help immediately.
- Staining: If your water causes staining on fixtures or laundry, there may be high levels of minerals or contaminants.
How U.S. Water Can Help
U.S. Water is a Wisconsin-based company. We have been the go-to source for testing and treatment for more than 20 years:
Full-Service Water Testing: We offer water testing services to identify the specific cause of the bad smell in your well water. U.S. Water is home to the only independently owned state-certified lab. Our onsite, advanced technology guarantees your fast, accurate results.
Customized Treatment Solutions: Once we’ve identified the cause, our team can recommend customized water treatment solutions tailored to your needs. Our filter solutions are unique to your water and can be scaled to your water system and usage.
Expert Support: Our experienced water technicians will guide you through the process, and our Wisconsin appreciate our local, reliable support.
Installation and Maintenance: We provide installation and maintenance services all of our systems and service most other brands as well.
The Right Solution Starts with an Accurate Test
U.S. Water offers complete well water testing services through its Wisconsin state-certified water testing lab. This ensures the most accurate testing and, with our test facility onsite, you are guaranteed a fast turnaround time. In addition to our basic analysis, we offer a full range of certified water tests and well inspection services.
Rent our equipment hassle-free!
Our rental options cover all equipment, offering a trouble-free maintenance agreement plus consumables for your convenience.
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULATION
715-842-2215