Water described as “sulfur water” contains dissolved sulfur compounds, often originating from groundwater that has passed through sulfur-rich rock formations. The presence of these compounds leads to a noticeable, unpleasant odor, directly answering whether it can make a person smell. This odor is not due to elemental sulfur itself but rather a specific, highly volatile gas created within the water system. Understanding the exact chemical responsible is the first step in addressing the lingering smell.
The Chemical Reason Sulfur Water Smells
The characteristic smell in sulfur water is primarily caused by the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless gas often described as smelling like rotten eggs. This gas is distinct from the relatively odorless sulfates naturally dissolved in the water. The process that creates H2S usually involves sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) operating in anaerobic conditions, meaning environments lacking oxygen.
These bacteria are commonly found in groundwater sources, deep wells, or within the water heater where the environment is warm and oxygen-depleted. SRB metabolize the naturally occurring sulfates, converting them into the gaseous compound hydrogen sulfide. The concentration of this gas determines the intensity of the noticeable odor.
Even small concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can be detected by the human nose, which is highly sensitive to this compound. When the water flows, the dissolved H2S escapes into the atmosphere, which is why the odor is most pronounced when using a faucet or shower. This chemical transformation is a function of the water’s biological and geological history before it reaches the tap.
How the Odor Transfers to Skin and Hair
When sulfur water is heated and used for showering, the volatile hydrogen sulfide gas readily escapes from the water droplets and mixes with the air in the bathroom. This gaseous H2S then physically interacts with the porous, moist surfaces of the skin and hair. The mechanism is physical adsorption, where the gas molecules adhere to the outer layer of the body.
Hair is particularly susceptible to retaining the smell because its highly porous structure allows gas molecules to become trapped within the keratin matrix. While the skin is less porous than hair, residual moisture remaining after the shower provides a temporary medium for the dissolved gas to cling to. The intensity of the smell on the body is directly proportional to the concentration of H2S in the water and the duration of the exposure.
It is important to understand that the odor is typically external and temporary, not a result of metabolic changes within the body after absorbing sulfur compounds. Once the skin and hair dry completely, the adsorbed hydrogen sulfide molecules often dissipate back into the air. However, highly absorbent fabrics like towels and clothing can retain the odor for a longer period if they are not washed promptly.
The lingering smell is essentially a temporary coating of the gas on the surface layers rather than a deep infiltration. The smell usually fades significantly within an hour or two after the person has dried off and moved away from the water source. This phenomenon distinguishes the sulfur water smell from body odors caused by internal biological processes.
Practical Steps for Odor Management
Managing the residual odor on the body begins with the products used immediately after exposure to the water. Utilizing soaps or shampoos that contain oxidizing agents can help neutralize the adsorbed hydrogen sulfide on the skin and hair. Ingredients like sodium hypochlorite or certain highly fragranced or acidic cleansers are often effective in breaking down the H2S molecules.
Rapid and thorough drying of the skin and hair after bathing is another effective measure to reduce the lingering odor. Because the gas often remains dissolved in residual moisture, removing this moisture quickly encourages the volatile H2S to evaporate faster. Focusing on drying the hair completely can yield the most immediate reduction in perceived smell.
Improving ventilation in the bathroom during and immediately after the shower also plays a significant role in odor management. Adequate airflow disperses the concentrated hydrogen sulfide gas released from the water, reducing the amount available to adsorb onto the body and surrounding materials. This also mitigates the odor absorbed by fabric items like shower curtains and bathmats.
For general water use, aeration can help reduce the odor in drinking water by encouraging the gas to escape before consumption. While boiling water will also cause the gas to volatilize, it is not a practical solution for bathing. Addressing the underlying bacterial source in the water system itself provides the most permanent solution.