NGWA Offers Best Practices on Hydrogen Sulfide in Water Wells
The National Ground Water Association this month released its best suggested practice (BSP) guidelines for hydrogen sulfide issues in residential water well systems.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas emitted by the breakdown of organic material in the absence of oxygen. Hydrogen sulfide is water-soluble, and gives off a rotten egg odor when it reacts with dissolved oxygen. NGWA says that, even in low concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can corrode well and plumbing components. In very high concentrations, it can cause health problems for water well contractors servicing wells. The biggest danger comes from confined spaces.