Summary of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfate Fact Sheet What are ...

Summary of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfate Fact SheetWhat are hydrogen sulfide and sulfates?Sulfates naturally occur in certain types of soil and rock. Sulfur can be changed tohydrogen sulfide gas by sulfur-reducing bacteria. Hydrogen sulfide can also beproduced by decomposing organic material, like plant matter.Hydrogen sulfide gives off a rotten egg smell and taste and can also produce yellow orblack stains on appliances and fixtures.Sulfate can cause water to taste bitter and can cause scale build up in pipes.Potential health effects of hydrogen sulfide and sulfatesIn large amounts, hydrogen sulfide gas is flammable and poisonous. However, it is notusually a health risk at amounts present in household water.Although a nuisance, sulfur-reducing bacteria do not present any human health risks.Water with dissolved hydrogen sulfide alone does not cause disease or illness, but insome cases the hydrogen sulfide smell can be from sewage pollution. If this is apossibility, then the water should also be tested for total coliform bacteria.High sulfate levels in drinking water may have a laxative effect that can lead todehydration and is mostly a concern for infants.What are the standards for hydrogen sulfide and sulfate in drinkingwater?Hydrogen sulfide and sulfates are not considered health concerns, but they are considerednuisance contaminants. The Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level as set by theEnvironmental Protection Agency for each is set at 250 milligrams per liter of water, or 250parts per million.How can hydrogen sulfide and sulfates get into my well water?Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally and can result from a number of sources: Decomposing underground deposits of organic material such as plant matter Wells drilled in shale or sandstone or near coal or oil fields or peat deposits Sulfur-reducing bacteria feed on naturally occurring sulfates in water and can producehydrogen sulfide gas as a by-product Water heaters can also be a potential source of hydrogen sulfide gas. If there ismagnesium in the tank it can chemically reduce naturally occurring sulfates and causehydrogen sulfide.Test your well water for hydrogen sulfide and sulfateTest for sulfate every 3-5 yearsSince hydrogen sulfide and sulfates are detectable by taste and smell, a laboratory test isnot needed to detect its presence. However, a test is needed to detect the amount ofhydrogen sulfide or sulfates. The amount present in water determines the propertreatment method.

Have your water tested at a certified laboratory.If hydrogen sulfide and sulfates are present in my well water, how do Itreat them?Treatment varies with the amount and source of the hydrogen sulfide and/or sulfatedetected. In some cases, a new well may need to be installed. Other treatment optionsinclude:For Hydrogen Sulfideo Activated carbono Aerationo Iron removal filtero Oxidizing chemicalsFor Sulfates:o Distillationo Reverse osmosiso Ion exchangeFOR THE COMPLETE FACT SHEET ABOUT HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND SULFATESCLICK HERE