What causes the rotten egg smell?
This is caused by hydrogen sulfide in water, produced by bacteria in deep wells and in low-use stagnant water mains. When combined with iron, the iron sulfide stains are black. It is also highly corrosive, so other problems may accompany the smell. Off-Colors and Staining Water that is brownish in color can be caused by the tea-like extracts of dead leaves and by corrosion by-products, such as iron and manganese. This water is unpleasant tasting and looking, and can also stain sinks and laundry. Organic color and staining usually occur in areas with poor drainage, and sometimes it combines with iron to form “heme iron”, which is difficult to remove.
