Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs in Westlake

Where is the smell?

The water heater explanation

SID's water is treated at PBCWUD plants and arrives disinfected with chloramine. It does not smell of sulfur. Inside a tank water heater, warm water sits around a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium. Under some conditions, bacteria react with it and produce hydrogen sulfide. That is why the smell is on hot water only, and strongest in the morning or after a trip.

A plumber can flush the tank or change the rod type. Check the heater manufacturer's guidance first, because rod changes can affect the warranty.

Running hot water at every tap for a few minutes usually clears the smell for a while, which is itself a clue that the heater is the source.

New homes, unused bathrooms

In newer Westlake homes, the smell often shows up in a guest bathroom or a home that sat empty before move-in. Little-used lines and heaters give the reaction time to build. Running hot water at every fixture for a few minutes, and using guest showers occasionally, helps. Dry floor drains and rarely used P-traps can also let sewer gas in; pour water into them.

Not to be confused with flush weeks

During SID's chlorine flushes, such as July 5 to 25, 2026, customers may notice a chlorine smell similar to a swimming pool. That is a different odor, temporary and announced. See chlorine and chloramine in Westlake.

Private wells

If a property uses a private well rather than SID water, hydrogen sulfide in groundwater is a common Florida nuisance. Treatment is chosen from the well's test, often aeration or oxidation plus filtration. Compare aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells and see well water in Westlake.

What Jorge checks

Hot and cold taps separately, chloramine, pH and the water heater's age and use. If the heater is the cause, he will tell you; you may not need a filter at all. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.

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