Health Concern

Sulfur in Drinking Water

Sulfur compounds in water create a distinctive "rotten egg" smell and are commonly found in Florida well water.

No federal limit

EPA Action Level

H₂S

Chemical Formula

10-20%

FL Homes Affected

Health Effects

Short-term Effects

Unpleasant odor and taste
Eye irritation
Respiratory irritation
Nausea from smell

Long-term Effects

Generally not harmful
Potential respiratory issues
Skin irritation
Corrosion of plumbing

Common Sources

Natural groundwater deposits

Bacterial activity in wells

Decaying organic matter

Industrial processes

Sewage contamination

Detection & Testing

Smell test (hydrogen sulfide)

Test strips

Laboratory analysis

Schedule Free Water Test

Removal & Treatment Methods

Aeration

Effectiveness 85%

Removes hydrogen sulfide gas from water

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Activated Carbon

Effectiveness 75%

Absorbs sulfur compounds

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Chlorination

Effectiveness 90%

Oxidizes sulfur compounds

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Regulations & Standards

EPA Regulations

No EPA health standard, but aesthetic guidelines exist

Action Level: 0.05 mg/L (odor threshold)

Prevalence in FL: 10-20% of homes

Take Action

Protect your family from sulfur exposure with proper filtration.

Get Protection

Related Contaminants

Iron

Often found together in groundwater

Learn More →

Bacteria

Sulfur bacteria can cause odor issues

Learn More →

Chlorine

Chlorine can treat sulfur odors

Learn More →

Privacy Settings

Essential

Analytics

Experience

Sulfur in Drinking Water

Health Effects

Short-term Effects

Long-term Effects

Common Sources

Detection & Testing

Smell test (hydrogen sulfide)

Test strips

Laboratory analysis

Removal & Treatment Methods

Aeration

Activated Carbon

Chlorination

Regulations & Standards

EPA Regulations

Take Action

Related Contaminants

Iron

Bacteria

Chlorine