Quick diagnosis
| What you notice | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Hot water only | Water heater anode reaction |
| Hot and cold, on a well | Hydrogen sulfide in groundwater |
| Sprinklers smell | Irrigation well |
| One drain | Drain or trap, not the water |
Why the city water is unlikely to be the source
The USD air-strips its raw well water at the plant to eliminate volatile organic compounds, then lime-softens, disinfects and filters it. Air stripping also drives off dissolved gases. When a city-water home smells sulfur at the hot tap only, look at the water heater first.
Fixing the water heater
- Flush the tank.
- Ask a plumber about replacing a magnesium anode with a different type.
- If the heater sat unused, such as in a seasonal condo, run hot water for a while.
Seasonal residents in oceanfront condos often notice it first when they return after months away: the water in the heater has been sitting, and the anode reaction has had time to build up odor. Running the hot water for several minutes, then flushing the tank, usually clears it. If it comes back quickly, the anode is the next thing to change. A whole-home filter will not prevent this, because the smell is made inside the heater, after the filter.
Wells
Hydrogen sulfide in groundwater smells strongest when water first comes out. Treatment options include aeration, oxidation followed by filtration, and carbon for light odor. Iron often comes along with it. See aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells and well water in Riviera Beach.
On an irrigation well, sulfur smell is mainly a nuisance near sprinklers, but it often comes with iron that stains. If you plan to treat for one, test for both, since the equipment sequence matters.
During a free chlorine flush
A stronger chlorine smell during the USD's periodic free chlorine flush (July 1 to 22 in 2025) is a different odor, more like a pool. The district says it is temporary.
What gets tested
- Odor at hot and cold taps.
- Total chlorine, to confirm the disinfectant is present.
- On wells: iron, pH, hardness and odor at the wellhead.
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for a free test.
https://www.rivierabch.com/filestorage/24577/24726/24735/31500/51398/Final_Draft-__Annual_Water_Quality_Report_2025_%282%29_%282%29.pdf
https://www.rivierabch.com/FCFP
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist