Why Does My Water Smell?

For the safest water, your choice is clear.

It’s never pleasant to experience a foul odor problem coming from your water. You don’t want to be in the dark about what is causing any distinct, abnormal smells with your well water or city water.

Why does my water smell like sewage or rotten eggs?

If you’re experiencing a foul odor coming from you water that smells like sewage, rotten eggs, or gas, it can be challenging to live with that every day. After testing your tap water, you'll want to have your water heater checked. In most cases, bacteria cause the sewage smell in your plumbing system. It starts with your drain, which produces gas when you turn your faucet on. One of these gases is Hydrogen Sulfide, which can form sulfur bacteria in your water heater causing the rotten eggs smell.

Why does my water smell earthy, fishy, or musty?

If your tap water smells musty or earthy, this can be caused by iron bacteria or erosion in your water pipes. However, more commonly, a fishy or musty smell is most likely caused by naturally occurring organic material in your water supply. We often see elevated levels of chloramines, barium, or cadmium. You may also notice a heightened smell in the summertime due to algae and bacteria build-up in local water sources.

Why does my water smell like bleach or chlorine?

The reason your water smells like bleach or chlorine is from elevated chlorine levels in your water. There are typically small amounts of chlorine in your water to deter waterborne diseases. However, if your water is over-chlorinated, you will start to smell an odor similar to bleach.