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MDH Fact Sheet/Brochure Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND SULFUR BACTERIA IN WELL Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can occur in wells anywhere in Minnesota, and gives the water a characteristic "rotten egg" taste or odor. |
This brochure provides basic information about hydrogen sulfide gas and sulfur bacteria and discusses actions that you can take to minimize their effects. What are the sources of hydrogen sulfide in well water and the water distribution system? Hydrogen sulfide |
gas can result from a number of different sources. It can occur naturally in groundwater. It can be produced by certain "sulfur bacteria" in the groundwater, in the well, or in the water distribution system. It can be produced also |
by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside water heaters. In rare instances, it can result from pollution. The source of the gas is important when considering treatment options. Are sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide In most cases, the rotten egg |
smell does not relate to the sanitary quality of the water. However, in rare instances the gas may result from sewage or other pollution. It is a good idea to have the well tested for the standard sanitary tests of |
coliform bacteria and nitrate. Sulfur bacteria are not harmful, but hydrogen sulfide gas in the air can be hazardous at high levels. It is important to take steps to remove the gas from the water, or vent the gas to |
the atmosphere so that it will not collect in low-lying spaces, such as well pits, basements, or enclosed spaces, such as well houses. Only qualified people who have received special training and use proper safety procedures should enter a well |
pit or other enclosed space where hydrogen sulfide gas may be present. Are there other problems associated with sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide? Yes. Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can promote the growth of other bacteria, such as iron |
bacteria. The slime can clog wells, plumbing, and irrigation systems. Bacterial slime may be white, grey, black or reddish brown if associated with iron bacteria. Hydrogen sulfide gas in water can cause black stains on silverware and plumbing fixtures. It |
can also corrode pipes and other metal components of the water distribution system. What causes hydrogen sulfide gas to form in groundwater? Decay of organic matter such as vegetation, or chemical reactions with some sulfur-containing minerals in the soil and |
rock, may naturally create hydrogen sulfide in gas in groundwater. As groundwater moves through soil and rock formations containing minerals of sulfate, some of these minerals dissolve in the water. A unique group of bacteria, called "sulfur bacteria" or "sulfate-reducing |
bacteria" can change sulfate and other sulfur containing compounds, including natural organic materials, to hydrogen sulfide gas. How is hydrogen sulfide gas produced in a water heater? A water heater can provide an ideal environment for the conversion of sulfate |
to hydrogen sulfide gas. The water heater can produce hydrogen sulfide gas in two ways - creating a warm environment where sulfur bacteria can live, and sustaining a reaction between sulfate in the water and the water heater anode. A |
water heater usually contains a metal rod called an "anode," which is installed to reduce corrosion of the water heater tank. The anode is usually made of magnesium metal, which can supply electrons that aid in the conversion of sulfate |
to hydrogen sulfide gas. The anode is 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter and 30 to 40 inches long. How can I find the source of a hydrogen sulfide problem, and what can I do to eliminate it? The odor |
of hydrogen sulfide gas can be detected in water at a very low level. Smell the water coming out of the hot and cold water faucets. Determine which faucets have the odor. The "rotten egg" smell will often be more |
noticeable from the hot water because more of the gas is vaporized. Your sense of smell becomes dulled quickly, so the best time to check is after you have been away from your home for a few hours. You can |
also have the water tested for hydrogen sulfide, sulfate, sulfur bacteria, and iron bacteria at an environmental testing laboratory. The cost of testing for hydrogen sulfide ranges from $20 to $50 depending on the type of test. - If the |
smell is only from the hot water faucet the problem is likely to be in the water heater. - If the smell is in both the hot and cold faucets, but only from the water treated by a water softener |
and not in the untreated water the problem is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the water - If the smell is strong when the water in both the hot and cold faucets is first turned on, and it diminishes |
or goes away after the water has run, or if the smell varies through time the problems is likely to be sulfur bacteria in the well or distribution system. - If the smell is strong when the water in both |
the hot and cold faucets is first turned on and is more or less constant and persists with use the problem is likely to be hydrogen sulfide gas in the groundwater. What can I do about a problem water Unless |
you are very familiar with the operation and maintenance of the water heater, you should contact a water system professional, such as a plumber, to do - Replace or remove the magnesium anode. Many water heaters have a magnesium anode, |
which is attached to a plug located on top of the water heater. It can be removed by turning off the water, releasing the pressure from the water heater, and unscrewing the plug. Be sure to plug the hole. Removal |
of the anode, however, may significantly decrease the life of the water heater. You may wish to consult with a reputable water heater dealer to determine if a replacement anode made of a different material, such as aluminum, can be |
installed. A replacement anode may provide corrosion protection without contributing to the production of hydrogen sulfide gas. - Disinfect and flush the water heater with a chlorine bleach solution. Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria, if done properly. If all bacteria |
are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. - Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria. Flushing to remove the dead |
bacteria after treatment should control the odor problem. CAUTION: Increasing the water heater temperature can be dangerous. Before proceeding, consult with the manufacturer or dealer regarding an operable pressure relief valve, and for other recommendations. Be sure to lower the |
thermostat setting and make certain the water temperature is reduced following treatment to prevent injury from scalding hot water and to avoid high energy costs. What if sulfur bacteria are present in the well, the water distribution system, or the |
water softener? - Have the well and distribution system disinfected by flushing with a strong chlorine solution (shock chlorination) as indicated in the "Well Disinfection" fact sheet from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Sulfur bacteria can be difficult to |
remove once established in a well. Physical scrubbing of the well casing, use of special treatment chemicals, and agitation of the water may be necessary prior to chlorination to remove the bacteria, particularly if they are associated with another type |
of bacteria known as "iron bacteria". Contact a licensed well contractor or a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) well specialist for details. - If the bacteria are in water treatment devices, such as a water softener, contact the manufacturer, the |
installer, or the MDH for information on the procedure for disinfecting the treatment What if hydrogen sulfide gas is in the The problem may only be eliminated by drilling a well into different formation capable of producing water that is |
free of hydrogen sulfide gas or connecting to an alternate water source, if available. However, there are several options available for treatment of water with hydrogen sulfide gas. - Install an activated carbon filter. This option is only effective for |
low hydrogen sulfide levels, usually less than 1 milligram per liter (mg/L).* The gas is trapped by the carbon filter is saturated. Since the carbon filter can remove substances in addition to hydrogen sulfide gas, it is difficult to predict |
its service life. Some large carbon filters have been known to last for years, while some small filters may last for only weeks or even days. - Install an oxidizing filter, such as a "manganese greensand" filter. This option is |
effective for hydrogen sulfide levels up to about 6 mg/L. Manganese greensand filters are often used to treat iron problems in water. The device consists of manganese greensand media, which is sand coated with manganese dioxide. The hydrogen sulfide gas |
in the water is changed to tiny particles of sulfur as it passes through the filter. The filter must be periodically regenerated, using potassium permanganate, before the capacity of the greensand is exhausted. - Install an oxidation-filtration system. This option |
is effective for hydrogen sulfide levels up to and exceeding 6 mg/L. These systems utilize a chemical feed pump to inject an oxidizing chemical, such as chlorine, into the water supply line prior to a storage or mixing tank. When |
sufficient contact time is allowed, the oxidizing chemical changes the hydrogen sulfide to sulfur, which is then removed by a particulate filter, such as a manganese greensand filter. Excess chlorine can be removed by activated carbon filtration. Other related references |
that are available from MDH include: Iron Bacteria in Well Water Sulfate in Well Water Well Owner's Handbook If you have any questions, please contact a licensed well contractor, a reputable water treatment company, or a well specialist at one |
of the following offices of the MDH: Minnesota Department of Health Well Management Section PO Box 64975 St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975 Source: Minnesota Department of Health Fact Sheet/Brochure "Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs? Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfur |
Sources & References According to the American Psychiatric Association, a phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. The fear experienced by people with phobias can be so great that some individuals go |
to extreme lengths to avoid the source of their fear. One extreme response to the source of a phobia can be a panic attack. Every year, approximately 19 million Americans experience one or more phobias that range from mild to |
severe. Phobias can occur in early childhood, but usually are first evident between the ages of 15 and 20 years. They affect both genders equally, although men are more likely to seek treatment for phobias. Research suggests that both genetic |
and environmental factors contribute to the onset of phobias. Specific phobias have been associated with a fearful first encounter with the phobic object or situation. The question still exists, however, whether this conditioning exposure is necessary or if phobias can |
develop in genetically predisposed individuals. |Specific phobia||What is specific phobia?| Specific phobia is characterized by extreme fear of an object or situation that is not harmful under general conditions. Examples may include a fear of the following: - Flying (fearing |
the plane will crash) - Dogs (fearing the dog will bite/attack) - Closed-in places (fear of being trapped) - Tunnels (fearing a collapse) - Heights (fear of falling) What are the characteristics of specific phobia? People with specific phobias know |
that their fear is excessive, but are unable to overcome their emotion. The disorder is diagnosed only when the specific fear interferes with daily activities of school, work, or home life. Approximately 19 million American adults ages 18 to 54, |
in a given year, have some type of specific phobia. There is no known cause, although they seem to run in families and are slightly more prevalent in women. If the object of the fear is easy to avoid, people |
with phobias may not feel the need to seek treatment. Sometimes, however, they may make important career or personal decisions to avoid a situation that includes the source of the phobia. Treatment for specific phobia There is currently no proven |
drug treatment for specific phobias, however, in some cases, certain medications may be prescribed to help reduce anxiety symptoms before someone faces a phobic situation. When phobias interfere with a person's life, treatment can help, and usually involves a kind |
of cognitive-behavioral therapy called desensitization or exposure therapy. In this, patients are gradually exposed to what frightens them until the fear begins to fade. Relaxation and breathing exercises also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. |Social phobia||What is social phobia?| Social |
phobia is an anxiety disorder in which a person has significant anxiety and discomfort related to a fear of being embarrassed, humiliated, or scorned by others in social or performance situations. Even when they manage to confront this fear, persons |
with social phobia usually: - Feel very anxious before the event/outing - Feel intensely uncomfortable throughout the event/outing - Have lingering unpleasant feelings after the event/outing Social phobia frequently occurs with the following: - Public speaking - Meeting people - |
Dealing with authority figures - Eating in public - Using public restrooms What are the characteristics of social phobia? Although this disorder is often thought of as shyness, the two are not the same. Shy people can be very uneasy |
around others, but they do not experience the extreme anxiety in anticipating a social situation, and, they do not necessarily avoid circumstances that make them feel self-conscious. In contrast, people with social phobia are not necessarily shy at all, but |
can be completely at ease with some people most of the time. Most people experiencing social phobia will try to avoid situations that provoke dread or otherwise cause them much distress. Diagnosing social phobia Social phobia is diagnosed when the |
fear or avoidance significantly interferes with normal, expected routines, or is excessively upsetting. Social phobia disrupts normal life, interfering with career or social relationships. It often runs in families and may be accompanied by depression or alcoholism. Social phobia often |
begins around early adolescence or even younger. Approximately 15 million American adults ages 18 to 54 experience social phobia in a given year. Treatment for social phobia People who suffer from social phobia often find relief from their symptoms when |
treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy, or medications, or a combination of the two. |Agoraphobia||What is agoraphobia?| Agoraphobia is a Greek word that literally means "fear of the marketplace." This anxiety disorder involves the fear of experiencing a panic attack in a |
place or situation from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing. The anxiety associated with agoraphobia is so severe that panic attacks are not unusual, and individuals with agoraphobia typically try to avoid the location or cause of their fear. |
Agoraphobia involves fear of situations such as, but is not limited to, the following: - Being alone outside his or her home - Being at home alone - Being in a crowd - Traveling in a vehicle - Being in |
an elevator or on a bridge People with agoraphobia typically avoid crowded places like streets, crowded stores, churches, and theaters. What are the characteristics of agoraphobia? Most people with agoraphobia develop the disorder after first suffering a series of one |
or more panic attacks. The attacks occur randomly and without warning, and make it impossible for a person to predict what situations will trigger the reaction. This unpredictability of the panic causes the person to anticipate future panic attacks and, |
eventually, fear any situation in which an attack may occur. As a result, they avoid going into any place or situation where previous panic attacks have occurred. People with the disorder often become so disabled that they literally feel they |
cannot leave their homes. Others who have agoraphobia, do go into potentially "phobic" situations, but only with great distress, or when accompanied by a trusted friend or family member. Persons with agoraphobia may also develop depression, fatigue, tension, alcohol or |
drug abuse problems, and obsessive disorders, making seeking treatment crucial. Approximately 1.8 million American adults ages 18 to 54 experience agoraphobia in a given year. Click here to view the Online Resources of Mental Health Disorders |
How would our lives be different if we could only buy foods native to New York State? This and similar questions are the focus of a museum-wide quest where students |
work in teams to gather data about the things they use each day. After collecting the data, each team creates a graphic representation of its findings and leads a discussion |
about interdependence around the globe. Please divide your students into three different research teams and assign each team at least one chaperon or teacher. Each team will be going to |
TimeLab. After collecting data, each team will prepare a brief presentation to share its findings. All three groups will gather together for the presentations. Lesson extensions for before or after |
your visit The following activities are designed for your class to enjoy before or after your museum visit. Familiarizing students with the lesson concepts can enrich your museum experience. How |
do the choices we make reflect the concept of globalization? Review maps of the United States and the world prior to your visit. Here’s one way to do that: Post |
the four cardinal directions in your room: North, South, East, and West. Give each student an index card and the instruction to write the name of one of the 50 |
states on the card. When everyone is ready, ask students to stand where they think their state would be if the room was the U.S. Allow students to make adjustments |
to their positions after talking with each other. Provide a real map for students to use as a reference if needed. Once in position, ask students to describe their thinking |
in deciding where to stand. Do the same thing using continents, oceans, and countries with a map of the world. Ask students to spend one week keeping a “globalization journal.” |
They should record each piece of evidence they see to suggest that globalization is occurring. This evidence may appear in items they have at home or have seen at stores; |
things they’ve heard about in news stories; music they listen to; food they eat at restaurants; holiday customs their family has adopted; or other sources. Some examples of what they |
might find include: - imported cheese in the grocery store - imported CDs in a music store - a television program produced in another country - a television news story |
about international business or another topic related to globalization Post a large map of the world in the classroom. Invite students to collect objects and images of things they like |
that represent different countries around the world. Post the objects and images on the map and use the on-going project as a springboard for discussion each week. Have students generate |
You are here: Our Celtic Family Skip to menu Skip to content Visit our museums Explore our collections Curatorial & Research Who or what is threatening the village? Is it the Romans? Wild animals? The Vikings? Or is it other |
Celts? Click on the pictures for the answer... The Celts used this against other Celts and wild animals. The Romans came to Britain some time after the time of the birth of Christ. The Vikings came to Britain centuries later |
still. A spear was a good weapon against wolves, bears and wild boars. These were a threat to the people and animals that lived in the village. Click here to follow Caradog further... © the National Museum of Wales |
Advance decision, or living will An advance decision, more commonly known as a living will, allows you to make important choices to be carried out when end of life medical |
decisions have to be taken. Jessica Tomlin describes the benefits. What is an advance decision? An advance decision - formerly known as a 'living will' - is a document that |
enables health care professionals to know your treatment wishes should you no longer be able to communicate them. Advance decision can also be known as advance directive. The most relevant |
feature of an advance decision is the section that enables you to state that you wish to refuse treatment, including life-sustaining treatment, should you lose the capacity to make these |
decisions in the future. Compassion in Dying have produced an advance decision document, including very helpful guidance notes. My Last Song suggest you download the form. Before you fill it |
in, discuss your decisions with your GP and close family members. Why make an advance decision? There are many benefits associated with making an advance decision, or more commonly, having |
a living will: - Taking control: Advance decisions give you more control of your end of life care and treatment; - Peace of mind: Advance decisions provide you and your |
family with the peace of mind that your wishes will be respected and that, in certain circumstances, your life will not be prolonged against their wishes; - Legally binding: Advance |
decisions have been given statutory force under the Mental Capacity Act in October 2007 so that any decision to refuse treatment is legally binding; - Better decision making: Making an |
advance decision is a good opportunity to discuss your wishes with close family and your doctor. Limitations of advance decisions An advance decision can't be used to: - ask for |
your life to be ended; - force doctors to act against their professional judgement; - nominate someone else to decide about treatment on your behalf. As with advance statements, bear |
in mind that new drugs or treatments may be introduced in the future so you may wish to allow for new treatments even if refusing a current one. Who can |
make an advance decision? Anyone who is mentally competent and over 18 can make an advance decision. You should review your advance decision regularly - perhaps every couple of years |
- to check that you are still happy with what it contains. You may want to change certain treatment requests or change your mind about refusing treatment. Who should have |
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