water tastes like eggs
Let’s be real — nothing ruins a refreshing glass of water faster than an unexpected, funky smell or taste. You’re thirsty, you take a sip, and boom — your mouth is filled with a flavor that can only be described as… eggs. Not the good kind either. More like sulfur, like something went a little off.
If you’ve noticed your water tastes like eggs, or even if just the smell makes you hesitate, you’re not alone. It’s surprisingly common, and thankfully, usually solvable once you figure out the root of the problem. So let’s talk about what’s going on, why it happens, and what you can actually do about it.
First: What’s Causing That Eggy Taste or Smell?
The most likely culprit? Hydrogen sulfide gas. That’s the stuff that gives off the unmistakable “rotten egg” odor — and yes, it can sometimes affect taste, too. This gas is produced either naturally from decaying organic material (underground or in plumbing) or by bacteria that feed on sulfur in your water supply.
In some homes, the source might be your well. In others, it could be your water heater, old pipes, or even the municipal supply on a bad day. And yeah, it’s pretty gross — even if it’s not technically harmful in small amounts.
Sometimes, the smell is stronger when hot water is involved, and other times it’s noticeable in cold water too. Either way, if your water tastes like eggs, something’s up.
Is It Dangerous?
Generally speaking, hydrogen sulfide in low concentrations is more of a nuisance than a health threat. It’s safe to drink in small amounts, though the smell and taste can be off-putting enough to make you avoid it altogether.
That said, in higher levels, it can corrode pipes, damage appliances, and — in rare cases — make you sick. If the smell is very strong or persistent, it’s worth testing your water to rule out other contaminants.
Now Let’s Talk About Bottled Water (Yes, It Happens There Too)
You might think bottled water is immune to this kind of thing — after all, it’s sealed, filtered, and supposedly pure. But if you’ve ever opened a bottle and immediately wrinkled your nose, you’ve probably wondered why your bottled water smells like rotten eggs.
Here’s the deal: some bottled waters are sourced from natural springs, which can naturally contain trace amounts of sulfur. It’s usually below the taste/smell threshold, but if a bottle has been sitting in a warm warehouse or your car for too long, gases can concentrate and create a noticeable odor when opened.
Also, some plastic bottles can react subtly with water over time — especially if exposed to heat — and amplify any natural odors. So if your bottled water smells weird, toss it. It’s not worth drinking water that grosses you out, even if it’s not technically unsafe.
What About Tap Water That Smells Like Eggs?
Now, if your water smells like eggs right out of the faucet, you’ve got a few more options to consider. The smell could be coming from:
- The water heater: Sulfur bacteria can grow inside the tank and react with magnesium or aluminum anode rods, producing hydrogen sulfide.
- Well water: Deeper wells sometimes tap into areas with decaying organic matter, where naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide lives.
- Municipal sources: Occasionally, the main supply may pick up sulfur compounds, especially after maintenance or flooding.
- Plumbing: Bacteria living in your pipes, especially if you don’t use certain taps often, can also be the culprit.
Want to test where it’s coming from? Try filling a glass of water from both the cold and hot tap. Let them sit for a minute. If only the hot water stinks, the issue is probably in your heater. If both do? Your source water could be the problem.
Fixes You Can Try at Home
Here are a few real-life solutions — no plumber jargon, just what actually works:
1. Flush Your Water Heater
If the smell only comes from hot water, draining and flushing your water heater can sometimes clear it up. Doing this once a year is good maintenance anyway.
2. Replace the Anode Rod
If flushing doesn’t help, the magnesium rod in your heater might be feeding the bacteria. A zinc or aluminum-zinc rod often fixes the smell.
3. Shock Your Well
Well owners can perform a shock chlorination treatment — essentially “bleaching” the system to kill off sulfur-reducing bacteria. Just be sure to follow directions closely or hire a professional.
4. Install Filters
Activated carbon filters can remove small amounts of hydrogen sulfide from drinking water. For larger issues, oxidizing filters or aeration systems might be more effective.
5. Check Unused Faucets
Run water through guest bathrooms or rarely used sinks. Standing water in pipes can go stale, allowing bacteria to grow.
Prevention Tips to Keep Things Smelling Fresh
- Don’t leave reusable bottles with water in hot cars or windowsills
- Clean bottles thoroughly — caps, seals, threads — not just the main chamber
- Use filtered or boiled water in bottles if you suspect your source water has sulfur
- Keep your water heater well-maintained and flushed annually
- Test your well water regularly for bacteria, sulfur, iron, and pH
Staying proactive can save you a lot of stink (and stress) in the long run.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Senses, Then Take Action
Water should be refreshing, clean, and — most of all — odorless. If yours suddenly tastes like boiled eggs or makes you gag the second you twist open the bottle, it’s not something to ignore. It might not be dangerous, but it’s definitely not normal.
