| There are two forms of sulfur commonly found in | | | | it can often take months, even years to reach that |
| drinking water-sulfate, and hydrogen sulfide. Neither | | | | point. H2O with high sulfate levels can make cleaning |
| form is dangerous, but they are both annoyances | | | | clothes and taking baths less effective. It can also |
| that should be tested for and removed from water. | | | | produce a dark slime that clogs plumbing and stains |
| Sulfates are made up of sulfur and oxygen, and are | | | | acrylic objects such as toilets and bathtubs upon |
| naturally occurring in the production of some kinds of | | | | contact. |
| groundwater. Some bacteria that reduce sulfur | | | | Hydrogen sulfide poses some dangerous possibilities, |
| content can also be the largest producers of | | | | as it is both flammable and poisonous. Because it is |
| hydrogen sulfide. They often reside in deep wells, | | | | usually found at such low concentrations, it rarely |
| plumbing systems, water softeners and water | | | | comes to such a hazardous point. However, high |
| heaters. They flourish and multiply most on the hot | | | | concentrations of hydrogen sulfide have been the |
| water portions of water distribution systems. | | | | cause of nausea, long-term illnesses, and even death. |
| Similarly, hot water heaters are often the source of | | | | Hydrogen sulfide in H2O does not cause disease on |
| hydrogen sulfide content and odors. | | | | its own, but it can do so when mixed with sewage |
| Additionally, hydrogen sulfide gas can occur naturally. | | | | pollution. When in a gas form, it produces an |
| Decomposing deposits such as decaying plant and | | | | offensive odor and taste. Additionally, it becomes |
| animal materials can often be the culprit. This gas can | | | | corrosive when it comes in contact with various |
| often enter H2O through smaller water basins such | | | | metals such as iron, steel, copper and brass. It can |
| as creeks and springs. It can also be found in wells | | | | discolor and rust silverware and other home surfaces. |
| that are drilled near oil fields, coal, or sandstone. | | | | When H2O with high hydrogen sulfide content is used |
| The potential effects of high sulfate and sulfide | | | | to make tea, coffee, and other mixed beverages, it |
| content are not necessarily dangerous, but can lead | | | | can often become discolored and taste rather tart or |
| to problematic circumstances. It can have a laxative | | | | sour. |
| effect when drank in high quantities, which can often | | | | It is important to get your H2O sampled and tested |
| lead to dehydration. This is especially unadvisable for | | | | frequently for sulfur contamination. Establish a plan of |
| children and infants. Over time, people will adapt to | | | | action with your local water officials, and be sure to |
| sulfate, and the side effects will eventually taper off. | | | | follow through as quickly as possible in order to avoid |
| However, it is not desirable to wait until that time, as | | | | the potential hazards. |