Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs in Coconut Creek

A quick check

Florida's Department of Health suggests checking which faucets smell:

• Hot only: water heater.
• Only water that went through a softener: sulfur bacteria in the softener.
• Strong at first, then fades: bacteria in the well or plumbing.
• Strong and steady on both: hydrogen sulfide in the groundwater feeding a well.

The water heater

A magnesium anode rod protects the heater tank from corrosion. In some water it reacts and creates hydrogen sulfide gas, especially when a heater sits unused or runs at a low temperature. Seasonal homes and rentals between tenants often notice it first. A plumber can flush the tank or change the anode type; follow the heater manufacturer's guidance.

If the smell appears after a trip, run the hot water for several minutes at a few taps; if it fades, the heater is the likely source.

Cold-side smell on city water

If cold city water smells like sulfur, note which taps and when, run the cold water for a few minutes, and report it to Coconut Creek Utilities and Engineering at 954-973-6786 (954-973-6742 after hours). If you live south of Coconut Creek Parkway, your water comes from Margate, and Margate's Department of Environmental and Engineering Services handles it.

Sprinklers, lakes and wells

Coconut Creek has many lakes and canals, and some communities and homes irrigate from them or from shallow wells. That water is untreated and can smell of sulfur near the sprinklers, especially early in the morning. It does not affect your tap. If your home drinks from a private well, see well water in Coconut Creek.

Fixes by cause

• Water heater: heater service; a filter will not help, because the smell forms after it.
• Softener: cleaning and service.
• Well hydrogen sulfide: aeration or oxidation plus filtration, configured from the test. See aeration vs. filtration.
• Well bacteria: disinfect the well, then retest.

Chlorine is a different smell

A pool-like smell is the chloramine disinfectant, not sulfur. If that is what bothers you, see chloramine filters in Coconut Creek.

Get it diagnosed

Jorge tests hot and cold taps, any softener, and your well or irrigation source, then tells you whether you need a plumber or water treatment. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist