Sulfur water 4770414 206093553 2008-04-16T20:24:18Z B. Wolterding 2153229 remove notability + unreferenced tags; references have been added. Also no longer an orphan. '''Sulfur water''' is a condition where the running water contains a high amount of [[hydrogen sulfide]] gas that escapes into the air when the plumbing line is opened, giving a distinct "rotten egg" smell. ==Causes== The condition is not dangerous, but indicates a high level of [[sulfate-reducing_bacteria|sulfate-reducing bacteria]] in the water supply. This may be due to the use of well water, poorly treated city water, or water heater contamination. Indeed, the sulfides may be beneficial to one's health and good for maintaining skin tone, hair integrity, and hair color.{{Fact|date=May 2007}} ==Treatment== Treatment for sulfur water is turning up the temperature setting on the water heater to over 140°F and running it for several hours, letting others know you have scalding water running in your pipes, and then flushing the water heater clean. The heat is supposed to kill the bacteria. One should also get a good water filter to remove all mineral and chemical impurities at the tap. Also, contact your local water treatment facility. == External links == * [http://www2.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_plumbing_other/article/0,1797,HGTV_3775_1394195,00.html Ridding your water system of odors] * [http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0319.html Hydrogen sulfide in drinking water] {{watersupply-stub}} [[Category:Water_pollution]] [[Category:Water_chemistry]] [[Category:Sulfur]]