Well water odors are unpleasant, to say the least. You can smell it from the sink, toilet, shower, or garbage disposal; these smells have you plugging your nose every time you walk by. While many common well water odors have easy fixes, some come from the water source itself and will need professional treatment. Read our how-to guide on top tips for fixing bad-smelling well water to find out whether you can improve your bad smelling water yourself or will need a professional’s help.

Water Smells Like Chlorine or Bleach

Chlorine is used by most public water suppliers to prevent bacterial growth. When added to a well, chlorine can produce a strong bleach-like smell. The best way to eliminate this odor is to turn on your faucets (including the outdoor faucets) and let the water run until the chlorine smell is gone. If you get your water from a well and smell chlorine or bleach, you may need to have your system flushed by a professional.

Water Smells Like Sulfur

Hydrogen sulfide can give water a “rotten egg” taste and scent. The odor may be coming from the water source itself. If so, do not use or drink the water until you get it tested, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

If your source of water is a private well, treat it with shock chlorination, as the natural chemistry of your groundwater may be supporting bacterial growth in your well. If your water source is public, try to identify whether the water source has been switched or if algal blooms have affected your water systems supply.

Water Smells Musty, Moldy, Earth, Grassy, or Fishy

Moldy-smelling water may be due to certain types of algae, fungi, or bacteria in your water supply. This is the most common cause for moldy-smelling well water. The best way to combat decaying matter in your sink or overflow valve is to disinfect, clean, and flush your drain.

Treatment by a Professional

Delmarva Water Solutions has a variety of water treatment systems for well water. We carry the most efficient, user-friendly, and longest-lasting water treatment systems for well water. Our water treatment systems are all custom-designed to protect your family and home from water problems such as staining, corrosion, sediment, foul taste and smell, and nitrates. We hope this how-to guide on top tips for fixing bad-smelling well water has convinced you to do something about your bad-smelling well water. Check out our water treatment systems today!