Odor Package

📊 Service Overview

Foul-smelling water can make your home unlivable. This testing package pinpoints the biological and chemical sources of common well water odors, allowing you to treat the root cause rather than just masking the smell.

📋 What We Test For

• Sulfide: The dissolved gas responsible for the classic 'rotten egg' smell.
• Sulfate: A naturally occurring mineral that sulfate-reducing bacteria convert into hydrogen sulfide gas.
• Copper: High levels can cause a metallic or bitter taste and odor in the water.
• Sulfur Bacteria Test: Analysis to confirm the presence of the bacteria responsible for converting sulfate into foul-smelling sulfide gas.

🔍 EPA & MO.Gov Context

The EPA has a secondary standard for sulfate at 250 mg/L, as higher levels can cause laxative effects and impart a bitter taste. The presence of hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor) is generally not a direct health risk at levels found in household water, but it is a severe nuisance. MO.gov advises testing for sulfate and sulfide if persistent odors are detected, especially in the hot water lines.

🧴 Client Sampling & Drop-Off Guidelines

When you pick up your pre-sterilized collection bottles from our lab drop-off window, we will provide a clear, step-by-step instruction sheet for gathering your water sample. All you need to know right now is that samples must be kept chilled on wet ice or ice packs and delivered back to our lab window within 24 hours of collection to ensure accurate results.