Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs in Miami Shores

In a Miami Shores home on WASD water, a rotten-egg smell that shows up only on hot taps almost always comes from the water heater, where the anode rod can react and produce hydrogen sulfide. A smell around the sprinklers usually comes from an irrigation well. A smell at one sink is often the drain. WASD's plants use air stripping and chloramine, so the city supply itself rarely carries this odor. A quick check finds the source.

A simple test you can do tonight

Run cold water into a glass, step away from the sink, and smell it.
Do the same with hot water.
If only the hot glass smells, suspect the water heater.
If neither glass smells but the sink does, suspect the drain.
If both glasses smell, call for a test.

Water heaters and anode rods

Tank heaters carry a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium, that protects the tank. Bacteria in warm, still water can react with it and release hydrogen sulfide. Homes that sit empty for weeks, common for seasonal residents, notice it most when they return. A plumber can flush the tank or change the rod type; check the manufacturer's guidance, since rod changes can affect the warranty. A filter on the incoming line usually does not fix this, because the smell forms after the water is filtered.

Irrigation wells

Some Miami Shores properties water their lawns from a private shallow well. That water is untreated groundwater and can carry hydrogen sulfide and iron, which you smell when sprinklers run and see as orange marks on walls. Miami-Dade's outdoor watering restrictions apply to private wells too, with two watering days a week based on your address. See orange stains in Miami Shores.

Seasonal and second-home owners in particular: run each hot tap for several minutes when you return, or ask a plumber about flushing the heater before you leave for an extended period.

What WASD's treatment does

WASD's 2025 report says both the Hialeah and John E. Preston plants use air stripping towers to remove volatile organic compounds, and the water is disinfected with chloramine before distribution. A persistent sulfur smell on cold water at every tap would be unusual; if you notice it, report it to WASD at (305) 665-7477 and ask for a test.

When treatment is the answer

On a private well used for drinking, hydrogen sulfide is treated with aeration or oxidizing filtration chosen from the well's test. Read aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells.

Have Jorge check

He tests hot and cold taps, chloramine, iron and pH, and looks at the water heater's age and use. If the heater is the cause, he will tell you. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

Sources:
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.msvfl.gov/PublicWorksFAQ
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page

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

Common questions

Is the smell coming from WASD's water?

If only hot water smells, it almost always forms in your water heater, not the supply.

Why does it smell after vacation?

Water sitting in a warm tank lets the anode rod reaction build up. Flushing helps.

Will a whole-home filter fix it?

Usually not for a heater smell, because the gas forms after filtration.

Why do the sprinklers smell?

Irrigation well water is untreated and can carry sulfur. It does not reach your taps.

Who do I call if cold water smells?

WASD at (305) 665-7477, and Jorge for a home test.

Can a new water heater have this smell?

Yes. It depends on the rod and water conditions, not just age.

Book your free water test.

Send your details and Jorge will reach out to schedule a free test at your home. No cost, no obligation, and the results explained in plain words.

Tested at your kitchen table

Itemized quote before anything is installed

City water or well water

English & Spanish