Why Does My Well Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

You turn on the tap and catch it right away: a smell like rotten eggs. It is one of the most common complaints we hear from well owners in Palm Beach County, and in most cases it has a clear cause and a clear fix.

What usually causes the smell

The rotten egg odor is usually hydrogen sulfide, a gas that naturally occurs in some groundwater. It is common in South Florida wells. The smell can be strong even when the amount in the water is small.

Hot water only, or every tap?

This one question narrows it down quickly.

• Smell at every tap, hot and cold: the sulfur is most likely coming from the well itself.

• Smell mostly from hot water: the water heater may be part of the problem, which is a different fix.

• Smell that comes and goes: it may be stronger after the water sits, such as first thing in the morning.

Why it matters beyond the smell

Sulfur water can tarnish silverware, darken fixtures and make the water unpleasant to drink, cook with or shower in. It often shows up alongside iron, which brings orange staining too.

How it is treated

There is no single fix for every home. The right treatment depends on how strong the smell is, what else is in the water, and how much water your household uses. Our team tests first, then recommends a system matched to your well. Learn more on our sulfur and rotten egg smell page.

Related problems

• Iron and orange staining

• Hard water spots and scale

• Well pump repair

Get rid of the smell for good

Water Concierge Services is a family-run Authorized Kinetico Dealer with 75+ years of combined experience treating South Florida well water. Call (561) 779-5544, text (561) 721-5617, or book your free water test.