Rotten Egg Smell WATER PROBLEMS? We’ve Got a Solution.

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Why Do Sarasota Locals LOVE Us?

Reviews From Happy Customers In Your Neighborhood

"I’ve been a loyal Culligan customer for over 15 years, and this experience just reinforced why."
Their commitment to quality products and top-notch service is unmatched. If you’re considering water solutions for your home, I highly recommend Culligan Water. You won’t be disappointed!

- James S.
"The best drinking water! Jared is our delivery guy & he is awesome! Always on time and professional. Highly recommend :)"
We go through drinking water like crazy in our house and instead of buying a bunch of small bottled water we’ve been using Culligan for the 5 gallon bottles for years!

- Taylor H.
"James from Culligan (Sarasota) has gone above and beyond on multiple occasions to help us out regarding service to our water softener."
He’s been extremely patient and has educated us along the way about our unit. He’s extremely knowledgeable with excellent customer service skills. If you’re looking for help or assistance regarding a water softener, look no further.

- James M.
"Amazing consultation with Sara R."
And I sure appreciate her sharing how many ingredients in my faucet water it is, that was horrific to see the truth! The installation was very smooth.

- Bee C.
"Their team is consistently courteous, dependable, and a pleasure to work with."
We've partnered with Culligan of Sarasota for our office water deliveries for several years, and the experience has been nothing short of excellent.

- Your Cabinetry Pros
"We’re very happy and happy with the results and expertise with our new home filtration system!!!"
The installation was seamless and Chad explained every aspect and now we have safe water throughout the house and clean water throughout.

- Eva V.
"It’s rare to come across someone who combines professionalism with such a thoughtful, friendly approach."
Miles was kind, professional, and extremely efficient. He explained what he was doing, worked quickly but carefully, and made sure everything was running perfectly before he left.

- Alex H.
"From start to finish, the team was professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable."
The improvement in our water quality has been amazing. We’re so glad we chose Culligan Sarasota—highly recommend them for both their excellent products and outstanding service!

- Lisa G.

Why Does My Sarasota Tap Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

If your tap water in Sarasota has a rotten egg smell, you’re likely dealing with hydrogen sulfide gas — a byproduct of sulfur-reducing bacteria that occurs naturally in some groundwater supplies throughout Southwest Florida. While generally not dangerous at low concentrations, the rotten egg odor can be an unpleasant odor that’s disruptive, damaging to plumbing systems, and a warning sign of poor water quality in your water supply.

Is Sulfur in Sarasota Water Harmful?

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) can impact both your home’s infrastructure and indoor air quality. Though it’s regulated under the EPA’s secondary drinking water standards, focusing on water smell, taste, and appearance, elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide can corrode pipes, stain laundry, degrade water-using appliances, and shorten their lifespan. At higher H2S levels, the gas is flammable and harmful if inhaled over time, especially in homes with poor ventilation or untreated water systems.

What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell in Sarasota Water?

In Sarasota County, sulfur odors in water are most commonly caused by:

Seasonal Water Conditions
During wet seasons or heavy withdrawals, Sarasota’s city water system may carry higher sulfur content, especially in areas like North Port, Cape Coral, and Marco Island.

Naturally Occurring Sulfur Compounds
Sarasota’s source water chemistry, primarily drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, often contains sulfates. When sulfate-reducing bacteria convert these sulfates to hydrogen sulfide, the result is smelly, unpleasant-tasting water.

Water Heater Reactions
If your hot water smells bad, the water tank’s magnesium anode rod may be reacting with sulfates, producing hydrogen sulfide gas molecules.

Local Wells and Septic Systems
Private wells near sewage pollution sources, like septic tanks or organic waste, often produce higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and other odor-causing compounds.

Sulfur in Well Water Systems

If your Sarasota home relies on a private well, you’re more likely to encounter elevated sulfur content and persistent rotten egg odor in your tap water. Unlike city water, which undergoes regulated treatment, well water is subject to natural environmental conditions, making it more vulnerable to sulfur-reducing bacteria, decaying organic matter, and mineral-rich groundwater.

Common Sources of Sulfur in Well Water:

Anaerobic bacteria activity deep in the aquifer
Sulfates to hydrogen sulfide conversion in stagnant or oxygen-depleted zones
Contamination from septic systems, landfills, or nearby agricultural runoff
Hot water lines reacting with sulfur compounds during use

These factors can lead to the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas, resulting in smelly water, an unpleasant taste, corroded plumbing, and even the discoloration of fixtures. In some cases, hydrogen sulfide levels of 6–8 ppm or higher may be detected, which require immediate treatment.

Effective Solutions for Well Water Sulfur Issues:

Culligan of Sarasota has a few solutions to your smelly water problems:

Whole-home water filtration systems with oxidizing filters
Regular water analysis and filter maintenance to ensure optimal performance

Culligan of Sarasota offers custom water filtration plans and comprehensive water care systems specifically designed for well water users in Southwest Florida. Our water experts can test your well, recommend the optimal treatment method, and help you enjoy cleaner water, better appliance protection, and long-term peace of mind.

How Sulfur Affects Your Home and Water Usage

Even at low levels, sulfur in your entire water system can lead to:

Tarnished metal fixtures and damaged hot and cold water lines
Black or brown stains in toilets, sinks, and tubs
Smelly water in showers, laundry, and kitchen use
Corroded plumbing and reduced appliance performance
Unpleasant taste and bad taste in cooking or drinking

Identifying the Source of Sulfur Smell in Tap Water

To determine the source of issues in tap water, try the following steps:

Isolate the Source
Compare a glass of water from the affected tap with one from a different location. If both smell, the problem lies in the water supply.
Test Hot vs. Cold Water

Odor only with hot water = Issue with water heaters
Odor with both = Hydrogen sulfide in source water
Odor only with cold water = Sulfur bacteria in lines

Conduct a Comprehensive Water Analysis
Consult Culligan Water to perform a comprehensive water analysis. Testing identifies water contaminants, including sulfur, iron, manganese, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS).

Eliminating the Sulfur Odor: Solutions for Sarasota Homes

If the Problem Is in the Drain
Pour ½ cup household chlorine bleach or 1 cup vinegar with baking soda into the drain. Rinse with hot water to kill bacteria causing the odor of water.

If It’s the Water Heater

Replace magnesium anode rod with aluminum
Increase water temperature to 140°F for 48 hours
Flush heater with chlorine bleach
Add approved corrosion inhibitors
Consider regular filter maintenance and a maintenance plan to prevent future issues

If the Problem Is in the Water Supply
Culligan of Sarasota offers advanced water treatment systems and comprehensive solutions for Sulfur Smelly Water Treatments:

Whole-Home Water Filtration System
Culligan’s Sulfur-Cleer® oxidizes and removes hydrogen sulfide, restoring fresh water and enhanced water quality. It also reduces iron and manganese.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Culligan’s Aqua-Cleer® system uses a multi-stage filtration process, including catalytic carbon, to reduce sulfur, chlorine, and other water contaminants. It delivers pristine, great-tasting water and optimal water purity.

What Are Local Water Officials Doing About The Problem?

Sarasota County monitors hydrogen sulfide gas levels, chlorate, and other byproducts like HAA5 to meet safety standards. However, aging infrastructure and source water changes can still lead to hazy water or odors.

Are Sulfur Odors a Health Concern?

Though sulfur’s rotten egg smell helps detect it early, high H2S levels may affect vulnerable individuals. Additionally, smelly water may indicate other water contaminants like barium or nitrate, especially in untreated water systems.

How to Fix Water Issues and Improve Quality of Life

For a custom water filtration plan, contact water treatment specialists at Culligan of Sarasota. Get the perfect water for your home with:

Safe water for all uses
Cleaner water for drinking and cooking
Reduced replacement costs and plumbing damage
Peace of mind through comprehensive water care systems

Book Your Free Test Today

Stop relying on bottled water or tolerating life unpleasant due to sulfur. Let us show you the advantages of Culligan with a system that truly fixes water issues — from the kitchen sink to the entire water system.

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Aquasential™ Smart High Efficiency Water Softener
- Smart brine tank auto-monitors salt levels
- Convenient auto-bypass valve
- Reliable non-corrosive valve
- Worry-free maintenance
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Aquasential™ Smart High Efficiency Water Softener
- Smart brine tank auto-monitors salt levels
- Convenient auto-bypass valve
- Reliable non-corrosive valve
- Worry-free maintenance
Get Pricing

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Culligan of Sarasota

At Culligan Water Of Sarasota, we will always put you first. That's why so many people in Nokomis trust us time and again.

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