Why does my well water smell like rotten eggs?

A sulfur smell is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide gas naturally occurring in groundwater or by sulfur-reducing bacteria in your well. This is common in North Houston and treatable with shock chlorination or a filtration system.

How do I know if my well has bacteria?

There are often no visible signs of bacterial contamination. The only way to confirm is through professional water testing, which 77 Water Well recommends annually.

What causes low water pressure in a well system?

Low pressure can be caused by a failing pump, waterlogged pressure tank, clogged pipes, or sediment buildup. Our technicians diagnose and fix the cause quickly.

How often should a private well be inspected?

The National Ground Water Association recommends a professional well inspection at least once every 10 years, with annual water quality testing.

What is well plugging and when is it needed?

Texas State Law requires landowners to plug all abandoned or unused wells to protect the water supply. 77 Water Well Inc. is licensed to handle all well plugging in Texas.

Post-Summer Water Testing: Iron, Sulfur & Bacteria in Texas Wells

After a long, hot Texas summer, your well water quality may have changed without you realizing it. Extended drought, high water demand, and seasonal temperature shifts can alter the chemistry and biology of your aquifer. Fall is the ideal time to test your water because it captures any changes that occurred during the summer months when your well was working hardest.

Iron: The Stain Maker

Iron is one of the most common contaminants in Texas well water, and summer conditions often make it worse. When water tables drop, the remaining water becomes more concentrated with minerals. Iron levels as low as 0.3 parts per million can cause reddish-brown stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes. You may also notice a metallic taste or see slimy orange buildup in your toilet tank. A simple water test confirms iron concentration, and treatment options range from sediment filters to dedicated iron removal systems.

Sulfur: The Rotten Egg Odor

Hydrogen sulfide gas in well water produces that unmistakable rotten egg smell. Sulfur bacteria thrive in warm conditions and stagnant water, making them more prevalent after a hot summer. Besides the unpleasant odor, sulfur can corrode plumbing fixtures and damage your pump over time. Sulfur problems often worsen in the fall when cooler temperatures change how gases dissolve in water. Testing confirms sulfur levels and helps us recommend the right treatment approach.

Bacteria: The Hidden Health Risk

Total coliform and E. coli bacteria can enter wells through compromised well caps, cracked casings, or surface water intrusion after heavy rains. Summer storms and drought-related ground shifting can create new pathways for contamination. Unlike iron and sulfur, bacterial contamination has no taste, color, or odor—you only know through testing. We recommend testing for bacteria at least once per year, and always after flooding or well work.

Schedule your post-summer water test with 77 Water Well Inc. at (281) 456-4556. We provide comprehensive water analysis across Montgomery, Waller, and Harris counties.