Match the smell to the source
| What you notice | Likely source |
|---|---|
| Hot taps only, worse after the water sits | Water heater anode rod |
| Hot and cold, on a well | Hydrogen sulfide in groundwater |
| Outdoors when sprinklers run | Irrigation well water |
| One sink or shower only | The drain, not the water |
Why older water heaters do this
Tank heaters protect themselves with a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium. In warm water that sits, bacteria can react with the rod and give off hydrogen sulfide. Miami Springs has many older homes, and heaters in guest rooms, in-law units or houses left closed for a while are common culprits. WASD's chloramine protects the distribution system but doesn't prevent what happens inside a warm, idle tank.
A plumber can flush the tank or change the anode type. Check the manufacturer's guidance first, since anode changes can affect the warranty.
Irrigation wells
Some Miami Springs yards run sprinklers from a shallow private well instead of the county meter. That water is untreated and can smell of sulfur and carry iron, which also stains walls and walks. The smell outdoors doesn't mean your tap water is affected. Miami-Dade's year-round watering restrictions apply to wells too: odd-numbered addresses Wednesday and Saturday, even-numbered Thursday and Sunday, before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
Hydrogen sulfide and iron often travel together, so a sulfur smell outdoors frequently comes with orange staining.
Private drinking wells
Hydrogen sulfide in a drinking well is treated with equipment chosen from the well's test, such as aeration, oxidation and filtration. Iron often comes along with it and affects the design. Compare in aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells.
Checks you can do now
- Fill a glass of cold water, then hot, and smell each away from the sink.
- Note whether it's worse in the morning or after travel.
- Run the hot water for a few minutes and see if the smell fades.
- Check whether your sprinklers run on a well or the county meter.
Write down what you find; it speeds up the visit.
What Jorge does
He compares hot and cold taps, measures chloramine, pH and iron, and looks at the heater's age and type. If the heater is the cause, he'll tell you, and you may not need a filter. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/water/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions.page
https://www.miamisprings-fl.gov/community/page/water-restrictions
https://www.miamisprings-fl.gov/node/46419
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist