Sulfur Reducing Bacteria In Well Water

Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide.

Sulfur reducing bacteria in well water.

Sulfur reducing bacteria live in oxygen deficient environments such as deep wells plumbing systems water softeners and water heaters. Chlorination eliminates the sulfur bacteria that cause the odor and combined with an air charger self. 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 in water. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide. Produced by certain sulfur bacteria in the groundwater well or plumbing system. Sulfur bacteria produce a slime and can help other bacteria grow such as iron bacteria.

When coliforms are present the treatment is usually to chlorinate the system. Install a chlorine injector system chlorinator on your wellhead for continuous injection of chlorine when the water is running. The smcl for sulfate in drinking water is 250 milligrams per liter parts per million as established by the epa. These bacteria chemically change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide.

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. From pollution this is rare. 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. Hydrogen sulfide gives water a nuisance rotten egg smell and taste.

The slime can clog wells. Sulfate reducing bacteria are responsible for significant corrosion of equipment. Water softeners provide a convenient environment for these bacteria to grow. Shock your well with chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide to get temporary relief from sulfur odors.

These bacteria chemically change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide. A salt loving bacteria that uses sulfates as an energy source may produce a black slime inside water softeners. Removing the sulfate can be accomplished by using a dealkalizer a system similar in operation and cost to a water softener. 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. Produced by sulfur bacteria or chemical reactions inside of water heaters. May help other bacteria grow. Sulfur reducing bacteria which use sulfur as an energy source are the primary producers of large quantities of hydrogen sulfide.