Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs in Florida? Sulfur, Well Water & Water Heater Causes Explained (2026)

That rotten-egg smell usually means hydrogen sulfide gas is in your water, which is common in Florida because of the state's sulfur-rich well water and groundwater. The cause is often either your well or water source, your water heater, or bacteria growing in the plumbing. A licensed plumber can test the water and pinpoint the source so you fix the right thing.

Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs in Florida?

The rotten-egg odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas dissolving into your water. In Florida, this is a frequent problem because much of the state relies on groundwater and private wells that pass through sulfur-bearing rock and soil.

There are three common sources:

• Your well or water supply — Sulfur and hydrogen sulfide occur naturally in Florida groundwater.
• Your water heater — A reaction inside the tank can produce the gas, often tied to the metal rod that protects the tank from rust.
• Bacteria in the plumbing — Certain harmless bacteria feed on sulfur and release the gas, especially in warm or rarely used lines.

A quick way to narrow it down: run only the cold water and smell it, then run only the hot water. If just the hot water smells, the problem is likely your water heater. If both smell, the source is more likely your well or supply line.

What homeowners should know

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs in Florida?

In Florida, rotten-egg-smelling water is most often caused by hydrogen sulfide gas from sulfur in the groundwater, especially with private well systems. The odor is unpleasant but is not always a sign that the water is unsafe. A plumber or water test can confirm the cause and whether treatment is needed.

Because so much of Florida sits on limestone and sulfur-rich aquifers, this is one of the more common water complaints in the state. Homes on private wells tend to notice it more than homes on treated city water.

Is water that smells like rotten eggs safe to drink?

The smell alone does not tell you whether the water is safe. Hydrogen sulfide is usually more of a nuisance than a health hazard at typical household levels, but the odor can also point to bacteria or other issues that should be checked. If you are unsure, stop drinking it and have it tested.

Do not treat this as medical advice. If anyone in your home has health concerns, talk to a professional and consider testing before you decide the water is fine.

How do I tell if it's my water heater or my well?

Run the cold and hot taps separately and smell each one. If only the hot water smells like rotten eggs, the water heater is the likely source. If both hot and cold smell, the problem is more likely in your well, supply line, or plumbing.

• Hot water only: Points to a reaction inside the water heater tank.
• Cold and hot water: Points to the well, the water source, or bacteria in the pipes.
• Only one faucet: Points to a local issue at that fixture or drain.

Sometimes the smell is actually coming from the drain, not the water. Fill a glass, walk to another room, and smell it there. If the odor disappears, the drain may be the culprit.

What causes the rotten-egg smell in a water heater?

In a water heater, the smell usually comes from a reaction between the metal rod inside the tank (the anode rod) and bacteria or minerals in the water. This reaction releases hydrogen sulfide gas into the hot water. It tends to be worse when hot water sits unused for a while.

A plumber can inspect the tank, flush it, and advise whether the anode rod should be replaced or swapped for a different type. Handling water heater repairs yourself can be risky, so it is often best left to a licensed pro.

How do you get rid of rotten-egg-smelling water?

The fix depends on the source, which is why testing first matters. Common approaches include flushing and servicing the water heater, disinfecting the well or plumbing, and installing water treatment such as filtration or aeration for the whole home. A licensed plumber can recommend the right option for your specific situation.

Typical steps a pro may take:

• Test the water to identify hydrogen sulfide, bacteria, or other issues.
• Service the water heater — flush the tank and check or replace the anode rod.
• Disinfect the system if bacteria are the cause.
• Add treatment equipment such as a whole-home filter, softener, or aeration system when the source is the well or supply.

Costs vary widely depending on the cause and the equipment involved — from a modest service call to a larger whole-home treatment install. A plumber can give you a written estimate after diagnosing the problem.

When should I call a plumber?

Call a licensed plumber if the smell is in both hot and cold water, if it keeps coming back after flushing, or if you are not sure what is causing it. A pro can test the water, find the real source, and fix it correctly instead of guessing.

This is one of those problems where the wrong fix wastes money — for example, treating the well when the real issue is the water heater. A proper diagnosis saves you from that. You can find the Top Plumbing pro in your zip through Zip.Agency, and browse our home-services guides for more help.

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