What Causes Hydrogen Sulfide In Well Water

Hydrogen sulfide and sulfate in private drinking water wells.

What causes hydrogen sulfide in well water. If the problem is caused by hydrogen sulfide in the groundwater then the concentration of the gas in the water must be measured in order to select and properly size a treatment system. Chlorination eliminates the sulfur bacteria that cause the odor and combined with an air charger self. Small amounts of hydrogen sulfide occur in crude petroleum but natural gas can contain up to 30. While such concentrations are rare hydrogen sulfide s presence in drinking water when released in confined areas has been known to cause nausea illness and in extreme cases death.

While the gas is poisonous and flammable the human nose can detect it well before it causes health concerns. Naturally occurring a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks. Volcanoes and some hot springs as well as cold springs emit some h 2 s where it probably arises via the hydrolysis of sulfide minerals i e. In rare cases however hydrogen sulfide odor may be from sewage pollution which can contain disease.

Water with hydrogen sulfide alone does not cause disease. Hydrogen sulfide in well water hydrogen sulfide often occurs naturally in well water or can be caused by the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria in a well or water system. Install a chlorine injector system chlorinator on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running. Hydrogen sulfide and sulfur bacteria in well water well management program.

Hydrogen sulfide can cause corrosion to brass copper steel and iron. Hydrogen sulfide in water is an aesthetic concern that causes a disagreeable taste and odor to the water. Testing for hydrogen sulfide the cause of the hydrogen sulfide problem must be determined before proper testing and appropri ate treatment can be applied. Texas agrilife extension service the texas a m university system.

It can also leave black or yellow stains on bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Often keeps odors away for 1 2 months. Hydrogen sulfide in drinking water. The state of connecticut department of public health.

Hydrogen sulfide in drinking water causes and treatment alternatives. It can cause discoloration of brass and copper utensils as well as tarnish silverware. Ms h 2 o mo h 2 s. Suffocation by hydrogen sulfide is a leading cause of injury and death in the groundwater industry.

Since bacteria are the most common cause treatment to control them should be tried first. The harm that hydrogen sulfide in water brings. Hydrogen sulfide gas h 2 s can give water a rotten egg taste or odor. Citation needed hydrogen sulfide can be present naturally in well water often as a result of the action of sulfate reducing.

First if you smell rotten egg in water or near it you can assume hydrogen sulfide is present. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be. Testing for hydrogen sulfide is quite straightforward.