Can Sulfur Smelling Water Make You Sick?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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At high concentrations, sulfur water can cause diarrhea and illness

. In most US households, though, drinking sulfur water is safe because the concentration of sulfates and hydrogen sulfide is low.

Is sulfur smell in water dangerous?

Sulfur bacteria are naturally present in groundwater, therefore the smell is most likely due to reactions occurring in your hot water and are not a threat to your health. … While

it is not necessarily dangerous for your water to

smell like sulfur, it may signify high levels of pollution or chemicals.

Is it safe to drink water that smells like sulfur?

In most cases drinking water that has a strong rotten egg odor, although particularly unpleasant,

is perfectly safe to drink

. However in some rare occasions the odor may be caused by sewage or other contaminates in a building’s water supply, which could cause health problems.

Is it safe to drink water with sulfur?

If the sulfur level in your drinking water is not too high,

it shouldn’t lead to any health issues

. However, too much sulfate could lead to the following problems: Diarrhea and dehydration: Drinking water with a high sulfate content can have a laxative effect and lead to diarrhea, which can then cause dehydration.

What happens when you drink sulfur water?

Sulfur is found in many foods and is considered a vital part of a healthy diet, but too much sulfur in your drinking water can

lead to diarrhea and dehydration

. Sulfur not only stinks and makes your water taste bad, it can also stain your sinks, toilets, and clothing and even damage plumbing.

How do you get sulfur smell out of water?


Chlorine bleach

can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the “rotten egg” odor. Chlorine bleach also reacts with iron or manganese, and disinfects water supplies.

What does it mean when you smell sulfur?

Natural gas and propane are odorless, but gas companies inject them with a chemical called mercaptan that gives them a sulfur smell—like rotten eggs—to alert residents to

a gas leak

. … Any time you notice a sulfur smell, suspect a gas leak first.

Can you filter sulfur out of water?

Small amounts of sulfur can also be removed from drinking water with a

reverse osmosis filter

or a granulated activated carbon filter, but neither method is very effective on its own.

How do I get rid of hydrogen sulfide in my water heater?

To get rid of the bad odor, you’ll want to contact

a plumber to flush and disinfect your tank

. Doing so will remove the bacteria and particles that create hydrogen sulfide. During a water heater flush, a plumber can replace your anode rod if it is corroded to prevent the smell in the future.

Why does water coming out of faucet smell like rotten eggs?


Bacteria growing in the drain

Bacteria growing in the drain is the most common reason for this smell. Over time, organic matter, like food waste, will accumulate on the walls of the drain and act as a nutrient for bacteria to grow. The bacteria can produce a gas (sulfur) which smells like rotten eggs or sewage.

What happens if you have too much sulfur in your body?

Sulfur in excess can

cause brain cell death

, resulting in brain damage. Signs associated with brain damage can include blindness, incoordination, seizures, death, and others.

Is sulfur toxic to humans?

Potential Health Effects:

Sulphur is relatively non-toxic to humans

, causing only mild local irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and upper airways. However, under certain circumstances it may release toxic hydrogen sulphide and/or sulphur dioxide gas.

Are sulphur baths good for you?

Sulfur-rich hot springs are also thought to

help treat dry scalp, arthritic pain and internal problems

such as menopausal symptoms and digestive disorders. Reduce Stress—Hot springs help your body relax, which benefits many aspects of your health, including sleeping patterns and nutrient assimilation.

Is sulfur bad for your hair?

The presence of sulphur gives healthy hair its strength and elasticity; conversely,

the absence of enough sulphur leads to brittle hair that is easily broken

. … Sulphur helps to extend the growth phase, ensuring that hair is longer and healthier throughout the cycle, reducing the appearance of thinning hair.

Does boiling remove sulfur from water?

However, when water is boiled,

it can remove the smell

, so the sulfur won’t affect your food’s flavor. Q: How Do You Get Rid of Sulfur in Drinking Water? A: Since you can’t exactly change the kind of water your home receives, the best option for sulfur water treatment is by installing a water filtration system.

How does the body get rid of hydrogen sulfide?

Any absorbed hydrogen sulfide does not accumulate in the body as it is

rapidly metabolised in the liver and excreted in the urine

. Hydrogen sulfide usually breaks down in air in about 3 days and is dispersed by wind. Therefore exposure is only likely to continue if there is an ongoing source.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.