Three places the smell comes from
| Where you notice it | Most likely source |
|---|---|
| Hot taps only, worse after the water sits | Tank water heater and its anode rod |
| Around sprinklers and wet walls outside | Irrigation water from a well, lake or canal |
| Hot and cold, every tap, on a well | Hydrogen sulfide in the groundwater |
| One sink only | Often the drain, not the water |
The water heater explanation
Tank water heaters use a sacrificial anode rod, often magnesium, to protect the tank from corrosion. Under some conditions, bacteria in the warm, still water react with the rod and give off hydrogen sulfide. Weston's water is disinfected with chloramines, but that residual is meant to protect the pipes, and a warm tank that sits for days can still develop the smell. Weston's own Common Issues page points residents with discolored hot water toward having the water heater inspected, which is also the right first move for a hot-water smell.
A plumber can flush the tank or change the rod type. Check the heater manufacturer's guidance first, since rod changes can affect the warranty.
Irrigation in a city of lakes
Weston is built around lakes and canals, and the city itself irrigates its landscaping from canals and lakes rather than drinking water. Some residential sprinkler systems draw from a lake, canal or shallow well too. That water is untreated and can carry sulfur odor and iron. It affects the yard, walls and windows, not your tap. See orange stains in Weston.
If you are on a private well
Hydrogen sulfide in a drinking well is treated with methods chosen from the well's test, such as aeration, oxidation and filtration. Iron often comes along with it, and both affect what equipment fits. Compare in aeration vs. filtration for sulfur smells and see well water treatment.
What Jorge checks
Hot and cold taps, chloramine, pH and iron, plus the water heater's age and how often each bathroom is used. If the heater is the cause, he will tell you, and you may not need a filter at all. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.westonfl.org/home/showpublisheddocument/8913/639168633628230000
https://www.westonfl.org/government/public-works-and-utilities/water-and-sewer-utility/common-issues
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist