Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs in Southwest Ranches

Hot, cold or both?

1. Run cold water at the kitchen and smell a glass away from the sink.
2. Do the same with hot water.
3. Check the barn or outdoor spigot if it is on the same well.

• Both hot and cold: hydrogen sulfide in the well water.
• Hot only: the water heater.
• Stronger in the morning or after the house sits: typical of well sulfur.

Hydrogen sulfide in well water

Groundwater can contain hydrogen sulfide naturally, and since Ranches wells deliver untreated Biscayne Aquifer water, it is a common complaint. Treatment depends on the level, and on iron and pH, which often travel with sulfur:

• Aeration: releases the gas from the water, then removes what remains.
• Oxidation and filtration: converts sulfide so it can be filtered out.
• Catalytic media: for lower levels.

Compare in aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells.

If you have both iron and sulfur, a single, well-chosen stage can sometimes handle both. The test decides.

The water heater

Inside a tank heater, a magnesium anode rod can react with sulfate and bacteria and form hydrogen sulfide, especially when hot water sits unused. On well water, which has no disinfectant, this can be more noticeable. Flushing the tank or changing the anode type, done by a plumber or per the heater maker's guidance, is the usual fix. Treating the well water helps too, because it removes what feeds the reaction.

Sudden changes deserve a lab test

If a well that never smelled starts to, or the smell comes with cloudiness or a change in taste, have the well tested by a certified lab. Florida DOH notes that bacteria and nitrate can reach wells through septic systems, livestock areas and fertilizer. A new smell is a reason to check, not to guess.

What Jorge tests

• Hot and cold samples to separate heater from well.
• Iron, pH and hardness, which shape sulfur treatment.
• Existing equipment, if any, and whether it is maintained.

Living Water configures a well water system from the test. See well water treatment in Southwest Ranches.

Get it checked

Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

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