The water smells like "rotten eggs", why and is it safe to use?

This condition is caused by hydrogen sulfide, a gas that occurs naturally in the water. To treat this we dose the water pumped from our wells, as it enters the distribution system, with sodium hypochlorite. This chemical produces a chlorine residual which oxidizes the gas and removes the smell. When the chlorine residual level drops, you will notice the "rotten-egg" smell. This is not a problem of health but of aesthetics. It is unpleasant to use water that has a repulsive odor. 

Please contact the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 if you have concerns. The Public Works office regular business  hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays). For emergency water concerns after hours, or on weekends and holidays, please call the Public Works office at (509)764-3951 and select option 1 to contact standby personnel. 

Show All Answers

1. Whom do I call with questions on my water bill?
2. The water smells like "rotten eggs", why and is it safe to use?
3. The water is an orange/brown color, why and is it safe to use?