Sulfur Reducing Bacteria In Well Water

Iron and sulfur bacteria in water.

Sulfur reducing bacteria in well water.

The smcl for sulfate in drinking water is 250 milligrams per liter parts per million as established by the epa. Often keeps odors away for 1 2 months. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is produced naturally by decomposing organic material and sulfur reducing bacteria. The two most common species of these bacteria known scientifically as desulfovibrio desulfuricans or desulfotomaculum nigrificans can be the cause of severe pitting corrosion even on stainless steel components.

From pollution this is rare. These bacteria chemically change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide. The slime can clog wells. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide.

Because objectionable stains tastes or odors may be due to other causes including sulfate hydrogen sulfide or other nuisance organisms like sulfur bacteria proper identification of chemical substances and microorganisms in well water is the first step and should be done by a state certified laboratory. In this scenario the most likely source of the hydrogen sulfide is sulfate reducing bacteria srb s. Iron and sulfur bacteria are an annoyance more than a health hazard but they can be incredibly damaging to the plumbing systems that they grow in. Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors.

Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can help other bacteria grow such as iron bacteria. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. Sulfur reducing bacteria live in oxygen deficient environments such as deep wells plumbing systems water softeners and water heaters. Removing the sulfate can be accomplished by using a dealkalizer a system similar in operation and cost to a water softener.

Water softeners provide a convenient environment for these bacteria to grow. Produced by certain sulfur bacteria in the groundwater well or plumbing system. Chlorination eliminates the sulfur bacteria that cause the odor and combined with an air charger self. Produced by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside of water heaters.

When coliforms are present the treatment is usually to chlorinate the system. Odor in the cold water that goes away after water flows. May help other bacteria grow. Hydrogen sulfide gives water a nuisance rotten egg smell and taste.

Sulfur reducing bacteria live in oxygen deficient environments such as deep wells plumbing systems water softeners and water heaters. Chlorine is toxic to coliforms and is the most common type of water disinfection agent. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. Install a chlorine injector system chlorinator on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running.