Sulfur – What Causes the Rotten Egg Smell in San Diego Tap Water?

If your tap water in San Diego has a rotten egg smell, especially when using hot water, you’re likely dealing with hydrogen sulfide gas—a byproduct of sulfur-reducing bacteria, organic materials, or bacterial growth in your water supply. This rotten egg odor can make even a simple glass of water unpleasant, raise concerns about water quality, and lead to plumbing issues or buildup in pipes. The good news? Culligan of San Diego offers effective solutions and water treatment systems tailored to eliminate foul odor and restore fresher water to your home.

The presence of hydrogen sulfide is often the result of bacteria in drinking water, reactions with sulfur compounds, or stagnant water in your plumbing. These sulfate-reducing bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments, such as older hot water heaters, cold water lines with poor aeration, or drain traps with bacterial activity. The gas is then released when water flows through your faucet, leading to odors in tap water that range from a musty odor to full-on stinky water.

Inside many hot water heaters, the magnesium anode rods (also known as magnesium corrosion control rods) react with minerals in soil, the groundwater supply, or water minerals, producing hydrogen sulfide gas. This is especially common in areas with high mineral content, such as parts of East County, Clairemont, or Escondido.

While the public water supply in San Diego is treated to meet drinking water quality standards, the EPA Water program classifies hydrogen sulfide under secondary standards—meaning it affects taste and odor, not necessarily human health. Odors may still occur when water is drawn from ground for bacteria or from water sources affected by sewage pollution, leaky fuel tanks, or nearby landfills.

Bacteria can grow in drain lines, built-up material, and even food scraps caught in drains. These odor-causing compounds contribute to bad odor or earthy water, especially in older homes or buildings with outdated plumbing fixtures.

While the presence of sulfur in drinking water doesn’t always indicate contamination, an excess in sulfur can cause:

While low levels of hydrogen sulfide gas are usually not harmful, potential health implications should be considered, especially for:

High concentrations can lead to:

Culligan of San Diego provides independent laboratory testing, water audits, and lab testing kit options to measure levels of chlorine, levels of hydrogen sulfide, and other potential indicators of water issues. Our team uses panel for water utility recommendations and regional Water Quality Reports to customize treatment for every home.

Whether you’re experiencing smelly water, unpleasant odors, or discoloration in your glass with water, we offer treatment methods designed for your exact situation:

Our -Cleer Plus Technology and Portable Exchange Tank Service provide long-term relief from common water problems while ensuring minimal maintenance and peace of mind.

Culligan proudly serves San Diego and surrounding areas including Chula Vista, La Mesa, Poway, Escondido, Carlsbad, and beyond. Whether you’re in Mission Valley or North County, we’re here with all-natural, affordable solutions and a reputation backed by decades of trusted service.

Don’t let foul odor and stinky water affect your home comfort, health, or water performance. Contact Culligan of San Diego to schedule your free comprehensive testing and receive expert guidance on water filters, filtration upgrades, and additional customizations to create cleaner water for your household.