Unpleasant water odour is usually caused by dissolved gases, bacteria, organic matter, or certain chemical compounds.
The most common smells include sulphur (rotten egg), chlorine, metallic, or musty odours.

A “rotten egg” smell is often caused by hydrogen sulphide gas.

This can originate from:

• Groundwater sources

• Decaying organic matter

• Certain bacteria in pipes or tanks

Municipal water is often disinfected with chlorine.
High chlorine levels may cause a noticeable chemical smell, especially after water sits in storage.

These may result from:

• Algae

• Organic matter

• Storage tank contamination

Often linked to:

• Iron

• Manganese

• Corroding pipes

Odour does not always indicate unsafe water, but it may signal:

• Chemical imbalance

• Bacterial presence

• Infrastructure issues

Lab testing identifies the source before treatment selection.

• What is iron and manganese in water?

• What is microbiological contamination?

water smells bad
sulphur smell water
chlorine smell tap water
metallic water taste
water odour causes

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals that can dissolve into groundwater.
They are not usually dangerous at typical levels but can cause staining, odour, and infrastructure issues.

These minerals dissolve from soil and rock formations into groundwater sources such as wells or boreholes.

• Reddish staining

• Metallic taste

• Brown water discolouration

• Black staining

• Dark residue

• Appliance discolouration

Over time, iron and manganese can:

• Stain fixtures and laundry

• Accumulate inside pipes

• Damage appliances

Iron and manganese may be:

• Dissolved

• Oxidised (particulate)

Different forms require different treatment approaches.

• What is TDS and does it matter?

• How water quality affects appliances and infrastructure

iron in water
manganese staining
brown water problem
black residue tap water
metallic water

Water quality can fluctuate throughout the year due to rainfall, temperature, and infrastructure stress.
Seasonal variation is normal in many regions.

Heavy rainfall may increase:

• Turbidity

• Surface runoff

• Organic contamination

• Sediment levels

Municipal systems may experience higher variability.

Dry periods may:

• Concentrate dissolved minerals

• Increase TDS

• Alter groundwater composition

Warm climates can:

• Increase bacterial growth

• Affect storage tanks

• Change chlorine stability

Water tested in one season may differ from another.
Regular monitoring ensures consistent treatment performance.