Rotten-Egg Odor

The most common odor in well water is this area is described as a "rotten-egg" odor. This offensive odor comes from hydrogen sulfide gas - sulphur. Treatments available for this problem include: Chlorine Injection or Aeration. Water Doctor prefers to use aeration as it is environmentally friendly and has no chemical byproducts. Aeration is 100% effective and has the advantage of eliminating homeowner maintenance. Please contact a sales representative to learn about our Iron Guard System using aeration. Be sure to look for the new aeration technology which prevents flow restrictions.

Musty, Earthy, Fishy Odor

This type of odor may indicate the presence of organic (non-pathogenic) matter. The most common method of treatment for this type of odor is activated carbon filtration or chlorination followed by carbon filtration. It is helpful to attempt to diagnose the cause of the odor so that proper treatment is designed. You may also test your well water for bacteria and nitrates to confirm portability of the water.

Metallic Odor

Metals such as Iron and Copper (due to acidic water conditions) can impart a metallic odor. An on-site analysis will verify their presence. If the water is acidic or has iron, the appropriate filtration system would be recommended. See Acid Water or Iron Filtration.

ODOR IN HOT WATER ONLY

When a "sewage" or rotten-egg odor is present in hot water only, it may come from the anode rod in the hot water heater. Consider replacing the magnesium anode rod with an aluminum rod. At this time, the hot water heater should also be chlorinated. A repeat chlorination may be necessary.

Some water supplies contain hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium). These minerals form white scale build-up and create problems in water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, plumbing systems and laundry. Hard water may appear as white spots on glassware or faucets. This condition also creates a "lack of lather" when using suds. The hardness minerals will rub into fabrics when laundering and create dingy laundry.

Enjoy the Benefits of Conditioned Water:

Protect Appliances from calcium scale build-up

Stain Eliminator - Remove rust stains and white build-up

Pamper hair and dry skin conditions

Hair Pamperer - With conditioned water shampoo revives hair color and makes it more radiant and manageable.
	Soap Saver - Hard water impairs the cleansing strength of detergents. Conditioned water not only delivers greater washing power, it reduces soap requirements (up to 70%). Protects your washing machine at the same time. Clothes Brightener - Clothes last longer; come out fresher, cleaner and softer when washed in conditioned water. Colors stay brighter, too.

The system which treats hard water is called a WATER SOFTNER, also referred to as a Water Conditioner. The Softener consists of a polyglass tank filled with resin beads, an automatic rinsing valve, and a salt Bin. The resin beads have a negative electrical charge. As water flows through the resin bed, elements containing a positive electrical charge, will adhere. These elements include calcium, magnesium, ferrous iron, radium, manganese, copper and lead. When the resin bed has accumulated a significant amount of these elements it is said to be "exhausted" and requires "regeneration". The automatic rinsing valve will use the salt you have added and create a brine solution which rinses the resin beads and renews the tank, making it ready for more filtration. The schedule for this rinsing process called "regeneration" will be set according to your water and may occur between 2 and 12 days. The best system will include a "Metered" Valve which measures the amount of water usage and regenerates with salt as needed. The Meter Valve conserves on water and salt usage. Twin alternating systems are also available allowing for 24 hour softened water. Twin units are also used for high iron applications.