Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

Question:  I live in an area of Texas that has a high content of sulfer 
in the water that comes into my home.  I have tried several filtration 
systems and I cannot seem to rid the water of the smell of the sulfer or, 
for that matter, the taste.  If anyone knows how I can remedy this problem
please drop a line.
Thanks.
 diane v jones

Answer 1:
Diane:
Have you tried a carbon filter to help remove the taste?
Have you tried a reverse-osmosis filter?
Both may prove successful if you have not already tried them.
 steven a miller

Answer 2:
While charcoal filters and reverse-osmosis systems are commercially
available, I'm not sure they will take care of the sulphur problem.
These types of filters are good at removing small particles, micro-organisms
and some organic chemicals, but your water may require further chemical
treatment to remove the sulphur compounds.  Where I live, we use
chemical treatment to replace calcium carbonate (lime) with sodium
chloride (salt) in a device called a "water softener".  For further
action, I would suggest you (1) try your question out in the chemistry
section of ask-a-scientist to see if there is a common chemical treatment
available to de-sulphur drinking water, and (2) try asking plumbing
suppliers or public water utilities in your area if there is any kind of
device on the market to solve this problem (but be careful about what
salesmen tell you, they will sometimes say anything just to make a sale).
 mortis