We can have all the cold fizzy drinks we want, but nothing quenches thirst quite like a glass of clean, cold water. Conversely, our desire to consume water can be knocked out of kilter because very few things in life are as gross as a mouthful of water that smells of rotten eggs.
Our Picks for the Best Water Smell Filters
Light-weight, portable, and easily moved around the counter top
Removes viruses, protozoa, TMHs, drugs and other chemicals
Safe to use, durable and long lasting
The system has been tested countless times to produce brilliant results
Needs to be broken in properly to ensure filtering correctly
Filters an astounding one million gallon of water and is expected to last a decade
The UV filter protects against viruses and bacteria from festering and growing
Multiple filtration systems provide your whole house with clean water for all needs
Easy to install and easy to function
More expensive than smaller systems but lasts much longer
Removes up to 99-percent of chemicals, heavy metals, sediment, and other contaminants then adds healthy minerals back
Modular all-in-one filter design for easy maintenance
Comes with a complete DIY-friendly installation kit
NSF-Certified, EPA approved
Requires basic plumbing tools like wrenches and teflon tape
Long lasting and durable, this system can pump around 3,000 gallons of water
No cumbersome maintenance required
Filters out heavy chemicals, metals and chlorine compounds with its 4-filtration systems
One of the cheapest water filtration systems for homes and offices
May run into minor leaking issues
Easy installation unless your fridge is over 20 years old
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If you have to hold your nose with your finger and thumb when you drink tap water, you have a lot of company. In fact, many Americans who drink tap or well water complain of some sort of odor emanating from their freshwater supply.
The good news is that most of the common odors and flavors that you find in tap water are not really harmful to your health at all. On the contrary, the sulfur and other trace minerals present in your water supply can do a really good job of keeping you safe and healthy from many common illnesses.
Different Types of Water Odors and Their Sources
Ultimately, how your water will smell, and taste usually has a lot to do with the overall quality of the water source. As a general rule, most utilities typically focus on the active prevention of the transmission of various water-borne diseases. This is by far the most important part of their job.
While they may try their level best to control odor and taste-related issues, they don’t always succeed in doing so, to the complete satisfaction of the end consumer.
o Chlorine
For example, chlorine is now widely considered to be one of the single most common offenders when it comes to smelly water. This holds particularly true for water sources that are based on a municipal water system. This widely used chemical is generally used in various water-treatment facilities in order to get rid of all kinds of disease-causing viruses, bacteria as well as parasites.
Usually, the water utilities are told to use just enough chlorine to get the job done right. But sometimes, it so happens that they overdo it. The excess chlorine in water can certainly make it smell and taste different.
o Dimethyl Disulfide
Other common causes of odor in the water include naturally occurring compounds that may be located close to the source of the water supply. These include various algae and other microorganisms and all of them combined can make your drinking water taste and smell markedly different.
If your water smells like stale vegetables, the odds are that the culprit is a chemical known as sulfur. It occurs naturally in soil and is produced by various microorganisms that survive in oxygen-poor environments. It is possible to both taste and smell it, even if it is present in very minute quantities.
o Geosmin
Geosmin compounds are released by certain species of algae that prefer to live in or near various freshwater sources such as rivers and lakes. They create a certain musty and earthy aroma in drinking water. And again, even a very small amount can easily cause the water to smell. Geosmin is seasonal in nature and you might notice various seasonal fluctuations in many of these odors as well. Usually, late summer is the time when most algae bloom and die, and this is reflected in the pungency of your water supply.
The Sulfur Smell in the Water
Sulfur water may not smell very good, but it certainly does not mean that it is bad for your body. While, everything in excess can be harmful, a little bit of sulfur can prove to be very beneficial for you.
o What Exactly Is Sulfur Water?
Sulfur water is typically caused by minute quantities of hydrogen sulfur gas in your water supply. It can enter your water supply in the following ways:
- Soil, stones, and rocks that contain sulfur can seep into the water supply
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria can convert various compounds into a form of hydrogen sulfide gas
- The water heater in your home produces the gas
The Core Benefits of Sulfur
Sulfur is a very common compound and it is found in many popular food items that you may consume on a daily basis. It is actually quite beneficial for your everyday nutritional needs because it improves the overall quality of your skin, hair, and connective tissues. And this is irrespective of the sulfur smell in water.
However, in case your hot water smells like rotten eggs, you might have excessive sulfur in your water supply. In the long run, it can lead to various stomach disorders and decrease the quality of your life. Apart from that, excessivesulfate in your water can also lead to slime that will eventually clog your water pipes and stain clothing.
It can also reduce the power of bleach and make it much more difficult to clean and wash your clothes adequately. This holds particularly true if your well water smells like rotten eggs. This means the sulfur content in the subsoil has permeated your water supply. If you feel you have excess sulfur in your water supply, you might consider removing it.
o Iron Removal Filter Method
One of the easiest ways of removing sulfur is via an iron removal filter that can remove low to medium amounts of hydrogen sulfide. Apart from that, such filters can also remove excess quantities of manganese and iron. The filter can oxidize the hydrogen sulfide, by easily converting it into insoluble sulfur. Once that happens, it will remove it via the filtering process.
The filtration system will need to be regularly recharged with potassium permanganate equipped filters. This recharging process that ensures that the filter system works perfectly fine all year long. The installation and the operating instructions of the manufacturer have to be followed very precisely. The filter will need to be replaced very regularly if you want your water’s sulfur content reduced to acceptable limits.
Conclusion
In light of the above, we can safely conclude that sulfur is good for health and can help in the nourishment of your hair and your skin. However, excessive sulfur in your water will lead to a bad smell and you will have to filter it out.
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