Stinky water is a hindrance all homeowners try to avoid. At best, questionable odors might cause your water to taste nasty. At worst, ingesting contaminated water could lead to health hazards.

Don’t settle for gross H2O. Identify the source of the stench so you can enjoy fresh drinking water this season. Here are the top reasons your water smells bad.

Bacteria Growth

A primary source of water odor is bacteria growth. It’s easy for these microscopic organisms to settle in your pipes, drains, and water heaters. Bacteria feed off unsanitary conditions, producing smells that make you want to run for the hills.

If your water smells like rotten eggs, sulfur, or sewage, you likely have a bacteria problem. Treatments like well water conditioners can help improve conditions and clean your water system. Keeping your system components sanitary is the best way to reduce bacteria growth.

Organic Matter

Another reason why your water smells bad could be due to lingering organic matter. Things like old food, soap, and hair create the ideal breeding ground for different kinds of odor-producing microbes. While garbage disposals and other mechanisms help eliminate this debris, they don’t always do a perfect job.

Rotting matter smells overwhelming and tastes horrible. Contaminated water may also leave you smelling worse for wear if you use it to bathe or wash your clothes. Remove any decomposing items from your drains often and flush your system to get rid of harmful bacteria.

Old Piping

Most people can recognize rotten-smelling water systems and identify possible issues. However, water that stinks of iron or other metallic odors might be more challenging. If you notice metal-like stenches and tastes coming from your water supply, address it immediately.

The most likely cause of this strange smell is your piping. Old pipes erode and release elements like zinc and magnesium into your water supply. Metallic smells could also indicate lead contamination in extremely-aged pipes, which you must take care of ASAP.

Chlorine Overabundance

The smell of chlorine probably takes you back to fun summers at the pool. However, your drinking water shouldn’t smell overwhelmingly like this chemical. While chlorine is an effective way to cleanse your water supply, an overabundance could cause problems with your hair, skin, and nails.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, contact Delmarva Water Solutions. From water treatments to filters, we can eliminate any odor-causing problems. Our dedicated team of experts is ready to improve water conditions across the Delmarva Peninsula, so reach out today and let us help.