Sulfur Reducing Bacteria In Well Water

When coliforms are present the treatment is usually to chlorinate the system.

Sulfur reducing bacteria in well water.

Odor in the cold water that goes away after water flows. From pollution this is rare. May help other bacteria grow. These bacteria chemically change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide.

The smcl for sulfate in drinking water is 250 milligrams per liter parts per million as established by the epa. Sulfur reducing bacteria live in oxygen deficient environments such as deep wells plumbing systems water softeners and water heaters. 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. 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.

Produced by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside of water heaters. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. A salt loving bacteria that uses sulfates as an energy source may produce a black slime inside water softeners. The slime can clog wells.

These bacteria chemically change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide. Water softeners provide a convenient environment for these bacteria to grow. Hydrogen sulfide gives water a nuisance rotten egg smell and taste. Often keeps odors away for 1 2 months.

Iron and sulfur bacteria in water. Chlorine is toxic to coliforms and is the most common type of water disinfection agent. Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors. Sulfate reducing bacteria are responsible for significant corrosion of equipment.

Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can help other bacteria grow such as iron bacteria. Sulfur reducing bacteria live in oxygen deficient environments such as deep wells plumbing systems water softeners and water heaters. Install a chlorine injector system chlorinator on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running. Chlorination eliminates the sulfur bacteria that cause the odor and combined with an air charger self.

Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is produced naturally by decomposing organic material and sulfur reducing bacteria. 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. Removing the sulfate can be accomplished by using a dealkalizer a system similar in operation and cost to a water softener. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide.