OVERVIEW AND TREATMENT OPTIONS:

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is typically produced from the breakdown of organic matter.  It has no beneficial effects in drinking water and creates an odor, similar to rotten eggs, generally not viewed as a pleasant aesthetic in a water distribution supply.   The presence of sulfur is detected simply by it’s odor, but it can also leave black greasy stains on household fixtures.  The presence of sulfur may make the water taste bitter, affect the taste of food that you eat, and makes your water unpleasant to drink.

SOURCES

Bacteria that produces hydrogen sulfide feeds on sulfur which lives in low oxygen environments.  These gases are naturally produced by organic breakdown which dissolves into the groundwater.   For deep wells, hydrogen sulfide is common in areas drilled in high shale or sandstone concentrations and wells near coal deposits.

TESTING

Desirable limit for odor is 3 TON (threshold odor number).

HEALTH CONCERNS

Hydrogen sulfide is a poison gas, but the levels of the sulfur that is typically found in water supplies, is considered more of a nuisance than a health concern.  There have been laxative effects and taste deterioration at higher concentrations of sulfur.  Laxative effects can lead to diarrhea which can then cause dehydration.

TREATMENT

Hydrogen Sulfide along with iron and manganese can be challenging contaminants to treat.  Oxidation using Chlorine, Potassium Permanganate or Hydrogen Peroxide combined with catalytic filtration media are commonly applied to these water contaminants.   These are effective but require maintenance and frequent servicing.  BWS has put together a unique and innovative series to reduce hydrogen sulfide as well as iron and manganese without the use of chemicals. Our  OZ³ aerZone™ SYSTEM is an ECO friendly approach to provide your family with high quality drinking water with a fresh taste that’s safe to consume.