You might imagine tiny bacteria eating sulfur and then producing hydrogen sulfide gas as waste.
Sulfur eating bacteria well water.
Water that contains as little as one part per million of hydrogen sulfide can tarnish copper and silver.
The sulfate reducing microorganisms have been treated as a phenotypic group together with the other sulfur reducing bacteria for.
Iron and sulfur bacteria are two of the most common bacterial contaminants that well owners face.
Hydrogen sulfide may also result from wells drilled in shale or water heaters that contain magnesium rods.
The biggest problem of sulfur in drinking water is that it stinks.
As with odors caused by iron bacteria the sulfur smell may only be noticeable when the water hasn t been run for several hours.
Produced by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside of water heaters.
It is perhaps more common in areas with shale or sandstone geology.
When coliforms are present the treatment is usually to chlorinate the system.
Clothing washed in water that is high in sulfur may also become stained.
Iron and sulfur bacteria in water.
Additional iron bacteria sulfur reducing bacteria information.
Where does the sulfur come from.
Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can help other bacteria grow such as iron bacteria.
The most obvious sign of a sulfur bacteria problem is the distinctive rotten egg odor of hydrogen sulfide gas.
Bacterial contamination of a water supply doesn t always mean health hazard.
Hydrogen sulfide typically enters the well water through naturally occurring bacteria.
The slime can clog wells.
Because objectionable stains tastes or odors may be due to other causes including sulfate hydrogen sulfide or other nuisance organisms like sulfur bacteria proper identification of chemical substances and microorganisms in well water is the first step and should be done by a state certified laboratory.
Chlorine is toxic to coliforms and is the most common type of water disinfection agent.
From pollution this is rare.
Install a chlorine injector system chlorinator on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.
May help other bacteria grow.
Of the two types sulfur reducing bacteria are the more common.
Iron and sulfur bacteria are an annoyance more than a health hazard but they can be incredibly damaging to the plumbing systems that they grow in.
Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors.
In some cases the odor will only be.
Chlorination eliminates the sulfur bacteria that cause the odor and combined with an air charger self.
Some types of bacterial contamination are more annoying than harmful.
It s not very comforting knowing that smelly water is the product of bacteria waste.
Like other minerals sulfur can leave stains in plumbing fixtures such as sinks and toilets.
Many well owners are immediately frightened by the thought of contaminants of any kind entering their water supply.
