The faucet test
The Florida Department of Health's well water fact sheet uses a simple sequence, and it works on county water too:
| Observation | Points to |
|---|---|
| Only hot water smells | The water heater |
| Only softened water smells | Bacteria in a softener |
| Smell strong at first, then fades | Bacteria in the well or plumbing |
| Steady smell on hot and cold | Hydrogen sulfide in the groundwater |
The water heater story
Tank water heaters use a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium. Under some conditions, bacteria in warm water that sits react with the rod and form hydrogen sulfide. WASD's chloramine does not stop this from happening inside a tank. A licensed plumber can flush the tank or change the anode type; check the heater's manual first, since some changes affect the warranty.
Signs it is the heater: the smell is worst first thing in the morning or after a trip, it fades as hot water runs, and cold water from the same faucet smells fine.
Private and irrigation wells
A drinking well with sulfur odor is treated with equipment chosen from its test: aeration, oxidizing filtration or carbon, depending on the level. Iron often shows up alongside sulfur. Sprinklers fed by a shallow well can smell the same way outside without affecting your tap at all. See well water in Tamiami and aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells.
Because Tamiami is unincorporated, there is no city well program; private wells are the owner's responsibility, with testing guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
Not every bad smell is sulfur
- Pool or bleach smell: chloramine or free chlorine from WASD; see chloramine filters.
- Sewer smell from one drain: a dry trap or drain buildup.
- Musty or earthy: often the drain or a fixture; test the water from a glass away from the sink.
Fixes compared
| Cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|
| Water heater | Plumber: flush, anode change or heater service |
| Drinking well | Well system configured from the test |
| Irrigation well | Treatment on the sprinkler line, or accept it outdoors |
| Drain | Run water in unused fixtures; plumber if it persists |
If you are not sure which applies, the free visit sorts it out in one stop.
What Jorge checks
Hot and cold readings, disinfectant, pH and iron, plus the heater's age and how each bathroom is used. If the heater is the cause, he says so, and you may not need equipment. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist