Northern Virginia Well Water
Your Northern Virginia home’s well water must be regularly inspected and tested for the presence of any chemicals or irritants that may affect the well water quality or the health of those who drink or bathe in your home’s well water.
Well Water Testing
One such material your well must be tested for is hydrogen sulfide, or a gas produced from decomposing plant and animal tissue underground. Hydrogen sulfide can be recognized by its strong rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulfide is a naturally-occurring groundwater gas, but when in well water and the water is pumped to the surface, the odor is unmistakable, especially in hot water. While the presence of hydrogen sulfide in well water is usually not a health hazard, its strong odor leads to a need for water treatment. Extremely high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in drinking water can lead to rare cases of nausea and illness.
Hydrogen sulfide is extremely corrosive to metals, so wells constructed with metal casing and household fixtures may experience corrosion and a shortened lifetime when in contact with hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide in water can tarnish silverware and utensils, cause yellow or black staining on kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and affect the taste of foods and beverages made with water.
Northern Virginia Well Water Odors
If you notice a rotten egg odor coming from your well water, it is imperative that your well be tested by a licensed professional. In rare cases, hydrogen sulfide odor may be from sewage pollution, which can lead to severe illness and even death.
Northern Virginia Well Water Treatment
Well water containing hydrogen sulfide can be treated in a number of ways, including chlorination, aeration, and disinfection. For more information on hydrogen sulfide, or if you suspect your well water may contain hydrogen sulfide, contact Soils and Environmental Services, Inc. Serving the Northern Virginia and Washington DC residential and commercial markets since 1987, Soils and Environmental Services, inc., specializes in designing alternative septic systems and assessing septic tank options for homes, commercial properties, and sub-divisions.