Why does my well water smell like sulfur?

That rotten egg smell usually comes from hydrogen sulfide gas or from bacteria that feed on sulfur.

Hot water only, or hot and cold?

If only your hot water smells, the cause is often the water heater. The anode rod can react with sulfate and bacteria in the tank.

If both hot and cold water smell, the source is more likely your well, your pipes or a water softener.

Is it safe?

The smell is often more of a nuisance than a health threat at low levels, but smell alone can't tell you whether your water is safe. If the smell appeared suddenly, get your water tested, including for bacteria.

How it's usually fixed

The right fix depends on the source and how strong the smell is. Common options include replacing the anode rod, disinfecting the well, or installing an aeration or oxidizing filter system.