|
There are generally two places where odors can enter a water supply. Outside the home and inside the home. Before water enters the home it may pick up odors from materials it comes in contact with as it passes through the air, flows over the ground, or seeps down through the ground.
To determine if water has the odor before it enters the home, check it at the closest entry point into the home. If the water has the objectionable odor as it enters the home, the problem has been found. If no odor is the objectionable odor as it enters the home, the problem has been found. If no odor is present, then the water is picking up the odor inside the house. Turn on a cold water faucet and let it run for several minutes. If the water has an odor, and the
As little as 0.5 parts per million hydrogen sulfide is detectable by taste in drinking water. Occasionally an odor is present in the hot water only. This condition is usually caused by a chemical reaction which takes place within the water heater. When hot water containing sulfate salts comes into contact with the magnesium sacrificial anode, which is a normal part of most water heaters, a reaction occurs, converting some of the sulfate to hydrogen sulfide. Since the magnesium anode rod is removable, in many cases, removal of the rod is a remedy for the problem. Many people remove the rod entirely. Remember though, the anode is used in a water heater to reduce corrosion in the heater tank and its removal may invalidate the warranty.
Treating Water That Smells
Minor odor or an unpleasant musty smell
With a minor smell a small carbon filter installed just before the faucet may cure the problem. This is called a point-of-use filter. These types of filters can be installed on a water line supplying the cold water to the faucet from which you get water that you drink. Another, more elaborate solution is to install a whole-house system which filters all of the water in the home.
Carbon filters remove odors by a process called Adsorption. Odors are removed by attaching themselves to the outside of the carbon particles. If water goes through a carbon filter too rapidly, odors will not be completely removed. Also, over time the carbon looses its effectiveness and must be replaced. Carbon filters also can remove certain organic materials from the water. Bacteria present in the water are attracted to the organics and so the carbon filter can become a place for bacteria to live. Prevention is to follow a routine schedule of replacement to minimize growth of bacteria in the carbon filter.
Unpleasant Rotten-egg Odor
Hydrogen sulfide is a flammable, poisonous gas which is produced in water supplies as a result of the decomposition of underground organic deposits. Its presence is easily detected by a characteristic rotten egg odor and obnoxious taste. Hydrogen sulfide is also very corrosive (both in water and in the air). It rapidly tarnished silver causing it to turn black. A high sulfide content is toxic to aquarium fish. As this water is brought to the surface for use, the unpleasant smelling hydrogen sulfide gas may be released.
Strong, Musty Smell
With this problem, experts in treating problem water should be contacted. A company that has experience dealing with water exhibiting this problem will be able to recommend treatment suggestions. Problem water of this type can generally be treated by three different techniques.
- Special Filtration Methods. Whole house filters that contain material specifically to remove hydrogen sulfide are often used. These filters are recharged using chlorine or a chemical called potassium permanganate. Due to the nature of the task, capacities of these filters are usually low. Sizing is important. The filter must have sufficient material to prevent premature exhaustion.
- Chemical Feeder Systems. Chemical Feeder systems use a pump to inject measured doses of a substance such as chlorine into the water. The water is directed into a custom designed tank and remains there for a measured time. This allows hydrogen sulfide gas to precipitate out of the water. The tank must be designed so the water entering it mixes thoroughly. The water next passes through a filter, removing the precipitated matter and any remaining chlorine from the water. This type of system requires a high investment in maintenance, as well as cost of installation and operation.
- Aeration Processes. The Aeration process reduces incoming water to a spray in the air. Fresh air is directed through the spray. The water is collected in a storage tank and repressurized. It's filtered by a particulate filter to remove particles that may be carried from the storage tank. After being drawn through the water spray, the air needs to be directed outside to the atmosphere because it could be toxic and potentially explosive if left inside. No chemicals are added to the water with this system. It also requires little maintenance compared to the first two methods and no chemicals must be purchased. These systems may be costly, however, and might require more space for installation.
| 
