The overwhelming sulfur smell in your shower is not just a coincidence.
The source of this unpleasant odor may be coming from well water that contains high levels of hydrogen sulfide, which has an unforgettable rotten eggs flavor when it comes to drinking water.
This gives your water an unpleasant taste, but it can also corrode metal pipes and tarnish silverware. Sulfur in water can also cause yellow or orange staining on your laundry and fixtures.
If you’re ready to get rid of that obnoxious smell once and for all, then you need good water filtration equipment for your home.
Here are the best sulfur water filter systems that we’ve found to remove hydrogen sulfide from your water table supply and give you clean, great-tasting water again.
Find The Right Section…
- Find our sulfur water filter systems best of list
- Find the evaluation criteria we used to select the best sulfur removal filters
- Find our sulfur removal system individual reviews
- Learn more about sulfur water filters with our buyers guide
Best Sulfur Filters for Well Water Compared
Review of Best Hydrogen Sulfide Removal Systems
Review Order
- Springwell Well Water System
- Aquaox RE Edition
- USWS Matrixx Infusion System
- Pelican Sulfur Water System
If you have high hydrogen sulfide content in your incoming tap water, I don’t think that you can go wrong by purchasing any of the best sulfur water filter systems on this list to correct that issue.
#1 SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System
This is a nicely designed and highly rated sulfur filter. Its main purpose is to treat incoming well water for problematic sulfur, iron, and manganese.
This sulfur water filter system does a very good job at this and getting rid of the rotten egg smell that goes along with sulfur in water conditions.
That’s why this whole house water system is easily our top choice for reducing hydrogen sulfide content in your home’s water.
It combines a 4-stage filtration process with advanced air injection oxidation. The SpringWell Whole House Well Water System also has a very constant flow rate and is built tough.
Although this water purifier’s initial cost is somewhat high, you shouldn’t overlook the fact that it does a great job reducing sulfur in the water, is virtually maintenance-free after the initial setup, and has a Bluetooth control head so it can be remotely operated.
This whole house water system is designed to last 20+ years and is also backed up by an outstanding satisfaction guarantee and warranty.
Main Features & Benefits
Sulfur Treatment Method: This water filtration system uses what is known as oxidation to eliminate the vast majority of sulfur (in the form of hydrogen sulfide) that passes through it.
In Layman’s terms, adding an oxygen particle to the sulfur particles in water enlarges them and makes them easier to filter out.
Activated carbon filters then remove the bigger pieces of sulfur from the system. Springwell is confident that this system can remove hydrogen sulfide down to 8 PPM that they guarantee it.
Other Contaminants Removed or Reduced: These water filtration systems are specifically designed to reduce problematic iron, sulfur, and manganese in well water. In addition to removing all but trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide, it will also provide iron removal up to 7 PPM and manganese removal up to 1 PPM.
An optional bacteria-killing UV light can also be purchased for use with it.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance: Although not many parts have to be put together with the SpringWell Whole House Well Water System, you will still need to tap into your home’s main water line. That is something that’s best done by a professional.
Thanks to its remotely operated Bluetooth control head, it’s a very simple system to operate. That enables you to program in the automatically backwashing cycles that are intended to keep this unit clean and operating efficiently.
There is also very little regular maintenance that has to be done to this tap water sulfur-reducing device.
System Flow Rate: Even if more than one person is showering at the same time in a home that uses this water filtration system, it should not impact the water pressure at all. That’s due to its very good 12 GPM flow rate.
With this generous flow rate, it’s a system that can handle the sulfur in water removal needs in homes that have 1 to 4 bathrooms.
Warranty: You will get excellent peace of mind when you purchase the SpringWell Whole House Well Water Filter System. You will get 60-days to try it out under the company’s money-back guarantee, and a limited lifetime warranty also backs it up.
Price: There is no hiding the fact that this is an expensive system for treating sulfur from an incoming well water line.
Pros:
- 4-stage filtration with air injected oxidation
- Reduces sulfur to less than 8ppm
- It eliminates the rotten egg smell
- A maintenance-free water hydrogen sulfide filtration system
- 20+ year lifespan
- Bluetooth interface
- 12 GPM flow rate
- 6-month money-back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
- Free shipping
Cons:
- High initial investment
- Professional installation is most likely required
- Pricey UV light add-on needed to treat Bacteria
- Large amounts of wastewater during cleaning
WTA5
#2 RKIN Whole House Well Water Filter System
If you’re in the market for a comprehensive solution to treat your well water, the RKIN Whole House Well Water Filter System is a top contender. Designed specifically to tackle iron, sulfur, and manganese, this system promises to deliver clean and safe water throughout your household.
The system boasts a multi-stage filtration process that ensures the removal of a wide range of contaminants. Its combination of filters, including an air pocket, greensand fusion, and an Enpress® Vortech distribution system.
With a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute, the WF10 model is suitable for homes with up to 3 bathrooms, ensuring consistent water quality throughout. For larger homes, RKIN offers a WF13 model, good for 4+ bathrooms and a 20 GPM.
The manufacturer backs this product with a lifetime warranty and an unmatched one-year satisfaction guarantee.
However, quality comes at a price. The RKIN Whole House Well Water Filter System is on the higher end of the price spectrum. But for those who prioritize water quality and are willing to invest in a long-term solution, this system is worth considering.
Main Features & Benefits
Sulfur Treatment: Advanced air pocket, greensand fusion, and an Enpress® Vortech distribution system ensure the removal of sulfur compounds in well water.
Comprehensive Filtration: Removes sulfur, iron, and manganese ensuring better tasting food and water, softer skin, and healthier hair.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance: While professional installation is recommended, the system requires minimal maintenance post-setup.
Flow Rate: A commendable 12-gallon per minute rate suitable for larger homes.
Warranty: Comes with a lifetime warranty and an unmatched one-year satisfaction guarantee.
It is a robust and comprehensive solution for those looking to improve their well water quality. Its advanced filtration process, combined with a solid warranty, makes it a worthy investment for homeowners prioritizing water safety and quality.
Pros:
Advanced filtration Removes sulfur, iron, and manganese Mobile app integration Bluetooth-enabled smart control valve Independent laboratory testing Improved water quality 12 GPM water flow Made in the USA 12-month satisfaction money-back guarantee Lifetime warranty
Cons:
High upfront cost Complex installation Mobile app dependency Limited information available on website
#3 Matrixx Infusion Iron and Sulfur Removal System
This sulfur treatment filtration system is unique because it uses a combination of chemical injection and filtration system rather than a completely self-contained oxidation tank system.
This has proven to be a very effective way to eliminate sulfur (hydrogen sulfide) from incoming well water.
It will also remove significant amounts of iron and manganese. Other features include a control head that can be programmed using an app on a smart device, a 15-gallon peroxide tank, and a precision injection panel.It has a decorative and durable stainless-steel tank that can remove sulfur from water in homes with up to 4 bathrooms. It offers the convenience of being a maintenance-free well water treatment system.
Main Features & Benefits
Sulfur Treatment Method: This sulfur lowering system works based on what is known as continuous injection technology. It uses hydrogen peroxide in the oxidation process, making it possible for its catalytic carbon filters to remove sulfur and hydrogen sulfate from your tap water.
It will reduce sulfur content in your tap water to a level that is less than 30 ppm. This will eliminate all of the different sulfur-related problems that you are experiencing with your water.
Other Contaminants Removed or Reduced: These water filtration systems are specifically designed to target sulfur, iron, and manganese. It will also inhibit the growth of sulfur and iron-feeding bacteria and remove any silt, sand, sediment, and cloudiness that is present in your incoming water.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance: Because it’s more complex to set up a hydrogen peroxide injection treatment system, you will want to have this professionally done.
The operation of this hydrogen sulfide lessening system is made simple by its control app and automatic backwashing feature, but at the same time, you will have to manually refill the hydrogen peroxide storage tank when it runs low.
Its Catalytic Carbon filtration media also needs to be refreshed periodically.
No other maintenance is needed to keep this sulfur in water removal working efficiently.
System Flow Rate: Here is another water filtration system that can be used in homes with up to 4 bathrooms. That’s because it boasts of having a flow rate of 15-gallons per minute.
Construction & Durability: This hydrogen sulfide system has a decorative and durable chrome exterior tank that will resist corrosion over a very long time. All of the components in the system are designed to make it hold up well for 10-plus years.
Warranty/Guarantees: This is not the best warranty of the units on our list, and there is no satisfaction guarantee, but it is an acceptable warranty. It includes a lifetime warranty on the tank, 10-years on the control valve, and 5-years on the injection panel.
Price: There is no such thing as an inexpensive sulfur water purifier, the initial setup of this system is very pricey.
Pros:
- Highly effective hydrogen peroxide injection system
- Smart device app-controlled
- 15 GPM flow rate water purifier
- It also removes iron and manganese
- 15-gallon peroxide solution tank
- Precision Injection Panel
- Chrome tank exterior
Cons:
- Very pricey system
- The backwashing cycle wastes water
- Best sulfur filter for well water
- Requires peroxide and carbon filter refills
#4 Flexx Infusion Iron and Sulfur System
The Flexx inFusion Iron and Sulfur System is a residential-grade water filtration system designed to combat issues like hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor), iron, and manganese in your water supply.
Main Features & Benefits
Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment Method: One of the standout features of this system is its continuous injection of hydrogen peroxide to treat hydrogen sulfide issues.
This method effectively eliminates sulfur compounds without producing toxic byproducts. It’s a well-established technology known for its efficacy and safety.
Typical Contaminant Removal: The Flexx inFusion system is versatile and can remove various contaminants, including iron (up to 20 ppm), hydrogen sulfide (up to 30 ppm), manganese (up to 1 ppm), and it can work effectively within a pH range of 6 to 9.
It’s also capable of reducing iron and sulfur-reducing bacteria (IRB & SRB). The use of NSF-approved components ensures water safety.
Automatic Backwash: The Flexx inFusion Filter System uses hydrogen peroxide and Catalytic Carbon filtration media for efficient backwashing, which is performed approximately every two days. In extreme cases, daily backwashing may be required.
Advantages of Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful oxidizer that is safer and more versatile than other chemicals. It can effectively eliminate iron and sulfur, even if water contains IRB and SRB. It is also relatively cost-effective, making it a suitable choice for families.
Specifications:The system is available in various models to accommodate different household sizes and water flow rates.
Warranty:The Flexx inFusion system comes with a lifetime warranty on the carbon tank, a 7-year warranty on the carbon filter valve and valve electronics, and a 5-year warranty on the Precision Injection Panel.
This warranty coverage provides peace of mind for customers.
Pros:
- Effective removal of contaminants, including hydrogen sulfide, iron, and manganese
- User-friendly design with smartphone connectivity
- Low maintenance requirements
- Versatile hydrogen peroxide treatment
- Excellent warranty coverage
- Improves water quality and eliminates odors
Cons:
- Initial cost may be high for some customers
- Some reports of missing small hardware during installation
- Requires periodic backwashing and hydrogen peroxide refills
- May need professional installation for some users
#5 iSpring WCFM500K Iron, Manganese, and Hydrogen Sulfide Water Filtration System
The iSpring WCFM500K Whole House Water Filter is designed to provide clean and safe water from every faucet in your home.
It effectively reduces iron (up to 12 ppm), manganese, and hydrogen sulfide (up to 20 ppm), as well as solids and turbidity with its 3-micron sediment filtration.
Main Features & Benefits
Clean Water for Every Faucet:
The standout feature of the iSpring WCFM500K is its ability to ensure clean water from every faucet in your home.
It tackles common water issues such as iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide, ensuring that you have access to high-quality water for various household tasks.
Set & Forget Digital Control:
The system features a user-friendly LED screen that allows you to set personalized auto-flush intervals based on your incoming water quality and usage.
Once configured, the system becomes virtually maintenance-free, saving you both time and money in the long run. It serves as a silent guard at the point of entry for your entire house, whether you have well or city water.
Chemical-Free Media Regeneration:
Unlike similar systems from other manufacturers, the iSpring WCFM500K uses only air for media regeneration.
This innovative technology eliminates the need for oxidizers or chemical feeds, ensuring that your water remains free from unwanted chemicals. It’s a safe and eco-friendly choice.
Customer Service and Warranty:
iSpring is dedicated to customer satisfaction. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, and they back their products with a 1-year manufacturer warranty and lifetime free technical support.
Extended warranty plans are also available upon online registration. This level of customer support provides peace of mind to users.
Mineral Retention:
It’s important to note that this system does not reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your water. Instead, it preserves healthy minerals, ensuring that your water remains nutritious and safe to drink.
If you require TDS reduction, iSpring offers Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems as an additional solution.
Pros:
- Effectively reduces iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide
- User-friendly digital control for easy customization
- Chemical-free media regeneration for safety and eco-friendliness
- Excellent customer service with a money-back guarantee
- Preserves healthy minerals in your water
- Pre-loaded filter media for convenience
Cons:
- Does not reduce water hardness (not a water softener)
- Requires installation before a water softener if applicable
- Some organic contaminants may damage the media
- May not be suitable for very hard water without additional treatment
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Sulfur Filter
Here are the traits of the best hydrogen sulfide filter system that you should key on when shopping for one of these filtration systems:
Sulfur Treatment Method
The water purifier works by removing hydrogen sulfide and sulfur-consuming bacteria, which cause sulfate-related issues in tap water. Most water filtration systems work very straightforwardly and do not require ultra-sophisticated processes.
Other Contaminants Removed Or Altered By The System
Sulfur water filters may also eliminate or reduce other tap water contaminants too. The more, the better, and this can be a deciding factor in your purchasing decision of a whole house water filter. For example, most catalytic carbon filters can remove chlorine, and more from water but not all water filters are created equal.
Ease of Installation & Maintenance
You certainly will want to know how easy the sulfur lowering system that you are thinking about purchasing is to set up, operate & clean, and what other types of regular maintenance it needs.
This includes a device with such features as a remotely programmable control head.
System Flow Rate
While it’s true that you need to remove problematic hydrogen sulfide from your incoming water, you don’t want to sacrifice a huge amount of water pressure in your home to accomplish this.
Ensure that you know the working flow rate of any sulfur filtration system you are thinking about buying so that it doesn’t affect your water pressure.
Construction & Durability
The chances are that you will be installing your whole house water system in a garage or basement. These are generally tough working environments for equipment.
That’s why you want your water systems that eliminate sulfur to have a tank that does not dent easily and is made using corrosion-resistant parts.
Warranty
Warranties and guarantees are also a nice little bonus that can impact your sulfur water filter purchasing decision. The better the warranty/guarantee, the more it indicates that a manufacturer has much confidence in their product being able to do what they claim it can.
Price
Not many of us have unlimited budgets when it comes to installing specialized equipment around our homes. So, the purchase price always has a role in choosing the best sulfur water filtration system that removes or reduces hydrogen sulfide.
Sulfur Water Treatment Systems Buyers Guide
Here is some good information to know before you start shopping for hydrogen sulfide treatment equipment.
What is Sulfur or Hydrogen Sulfide?
Many people do not realize that sulfur is actually a non-metallic element that has its own place on the periodic table.
It’s naturally occurring and is often present in rocks, rock layers, and areas that have had previous volcanic activity.
This element is also an essential compound that’s found in every living cell.
Health Issues with Sulfur
Although the CDC considers sulfur in water to have low toxicity, it still can contribute to such health issues as dehydration, diarrhea, and eye irritation. High sulfur concentrations in tap water can also cause that water to be a skin irritant, so it is important to filter sulfur out of house water.
It’s also not good to breathe large amounts of hydrogen sulfide, so you shouldn’t expose yourself to the sulfur smell for long. Good sulfur filter systems can eliminate this problem altogether.
Getting rid of the sulfur in your water will also prevent scale buildup on pipes. That’s necessary because this buildup which contains trace metals, will eventually find its way into your body when it comes loose and goes back into the water supply.
This is why I will always recommend purchasing a sulfur removal system if you have any form of this element present in your water to get pure, filtered water to avoid health issues and eye irritation.
How Does Sulfur Get into Your Water?
As was mentioned, sulfur is often present in rocks and rock layers. It can end up in water table sources through chemical reactions that take place with soil, rocks, and coal deposits.
Sulfur-consuming bacteria that like low oxygen environments are found in groundwater, wells, and plumbing systems. These can also introduce hydrogen sulfide into your drinking water source.
How to Test Your Water for Sulfur?
Both lab and home testing can determine if you indeed do have sulfur water.
The Health Metric Well Water Test Kit is one of the simpler ones to use to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide in your household and drinking water.
Our Best Water Test Kits article can read more details on this test kit and other reliable water testing options.
Seeing what contaminants you need to remove from your incoming water will help you better identify the water systems that eliminate hydrogen sulfide that should interest you.
It’s also never a bad idea to know what other organic matter and contaminants are lingering in your water supply too. That will also help you determine what water filtration system best meets your iron and sulfur removal needs.
What Types of Water Filter Removes Sulfur?
Granulated activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems are the only types of filters that can eliminate sulfur from tap water, but neither of these is considered to be reliable and effective on its own.
A hydrogen sulfide water filter is often combined with oxidation or chemical injection equipment to make it easier for them to eliminate sulfur and hydrogen sulfide from drinking water. It then makes it easier for an activated carbon filter to do its job. Try to stay away from water filters that use the poisonous substance potassium permanganate.
Sulfur Water Filter FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions that I get when it comes to the presence of sulfur in the water and a water filter that can end issues related to the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the water.
Why Does My Water Smell Like Rotten Eggs Or Sulfur?
The rotten egg smell in water is caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This is produced by the various types of bacteria that feed on sulfur that are often present in well water.
Do Typical Water Filters Remove Sulfur?
No, because oxidation or chemical injection is required, and most typical water filtration devices do not have that capability. So you need a special water filtration system to do this task.
Can You Drink Well Water With Sulfur In It?
Yes, but perhaps it’s better to ask why you would drink water with hydrogen sulfide content in it. Although it’s considered safe to drink, it may cause some minor digestive system problems, and its smell and taste may not make your water desirable to consume.
Will A Carbon Filter Remove Sulfur Smell?
No, because an ordinary carbon-based water filter cannot remove the hydrogen sulfide smell, which is the source of the rotten egg smell in tap water.
So an activated carbon filter alone will not get you odor-free water. A water filtration system that uses oxidation or chemical air injection is best.
Can You Find Sulfur In Hot Water?
If your cold and hot water both have a rotten-egg odor, it’s most likely because of hydrogen sulfide in your water supply. The bacteria use the septic tank’s contents as a source of food and, in so doing, produce hydrogen sulfide gas.
Some Final Thoughts On Sulfur Removal Systems
Even after experiencing just a few times the effects of smelling hydrogen sulfide in tap water and how it impacts water’s taste, that’s enough for me never to want to deal with the problems that sulfur in tap water causes.
Yes, I realize that the presence of sulfur in water does not cause serious health issues and the systems that remove it are expensive to install.
However, I still believe the drawbacks to sulfur-laden water far outweigh the investment that is necessary to get water filtration systems that eliminate hydrogen sulfide.
This is especially true if you buy a system that removes many other harmful contaminants in the water that you and your family drink every day.
