Best Ways to Remove Hydrogen Sulfide From Well Water

Hydrogen Sulfide

• Hydrogen sulfide is typically not a health risk to those that use water from a well, but it does give water a distinctive rotten egg smell. Hydrogen sulfide can also corrode copper items and silverware; at higher concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can release a black material that stains clothes, porcelain and other household substances. In short, hydrogen sulfide needs removal from well water when it is discovered, even though it does not present an immediate health risk to your family.

Chlorination

• Chlorination is one of the most commonly used methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from well water. When chlorine bleach reacts with hydrogen sulfide, it forms a tasteless, odorless yellow particle. When the particle collects inside the water system, the hydrogen sulfide is effectively removed from tap water. Note, however, that filters need to be installed and maintained to catch the yellow particles and that parts of the system will need to be cleaned out to remove the particles. Automatic chlorination injection systems used for this purpose require installation and maintenance by state licensed and certified water professionals.

Ozone System

• Ozone also reacts with hydrogen sulfide to remove it completely from water. Using an ozone system consisting of a tank and a ozone generator that adds three oxygen atoms, or O3, to water effectively removes all contaminants from the water leaving nothing but oxygen in its place. Contact a water well maintenance professional regarding having one of these devices installed on your well water system.

Carbon Filters

• Another option for removing hydrogen sulfide from well water is carbon filters. Activated carbon filters, similar to those used on home, small-scale water purification systems, can remove small amounts of hydrogen sulfide from tap water. As the carbon filter becomes saturated with hydrogen sulfide, however, it needs to be replaced or its filtering ability will be compromised. For higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in water, homeowners will have to change the filter so frequently that this option may quickly become cost-inefficient. Water treatment professionals can provide large tanks filed with a granulated activated carbon media equipped with automatic backwash heads. These tanks backwash automatically every few days, and only require an annual replenishment, dependent on home water use.