The 5 Best Sulfur Filters for Well Water: Reviewed and Compared (2024)

To determine the best sulfur filter for well water, I reviewed 13 products currently available. Applying our seven-step methodology, I narrowed this list down to five products that performed best. I also obtained critical feedback from our in-house water quality specialist, EPA consultant James Layton. 

The SpringWell WS1 is the best filter for most well owners because it filters 8 ppm of sulfur and is virtually maintenance-free. However, those few with extreme sulfur (10+ ppm) should get the Matrixx Infusion. If you’re on a budget, consider the SoftPro Iron Master, which can still filter up to 5 ppm of sulfur but costs less. 

Best Overall: SpringWell WS1 9.8/10

The SpringWell WS1 is the best sulfur filter because of its ability to remove high levels of sulfur (up to 8 ppm) as well as its smart features and industry-leading lifetime warranty.

Pros

There are six things that stand out about the SpringWell WS1 to make it the best: 

Pro 1 of 6: Removes up to 8 ppm sulfur

First, the SpringWell WS1 is the best sulfur filter because it removes up to 8 ppm of sulfur and outperforms all similar products in its class. 

The WS1 combines air-injection oxidation (AIO) and the latest high-performance manganese greensand to create a powerful filtration technique. First, AIO uses oxygen to turn hydrogen sulfide gas back into solid particles of insoluble sulfur. Then those solid particles are removed from the water as they are adsorbed by the greensand.

This means that if you have moderately high sulfur levels in your well water and it smells like rotten eggs as a result of sulfur-reducing bacteria releasing hydrogen sulfide, you should get the SpringWell WS1 to deal with this problem.

Pro 2 of 6: 100% chemical-free system

Second, the WS1 uses zero chemicals to remove sulfur. 

Traditional sulfur filters use chlorine. An oxidizing agent, chlorine does the same thing as AIO, but also produces water that tastes and smells like bleach. The AIO system in the WS1 uses simple air and doesn’t impact taste or smell. 

Many other sulfur filters use potassium permanganate, aka pot perm, to refresh the greensand every month. But it can burn your eyes, skin, and lungs when you handle it. Instead, the WS1 uses an improved manganese greensand because the coating doesn’t degrade, so it can last forever and doesn’t need chemical maintenance.

If you want a sulfur filter that won’t change the taste of your water and doesn’t require you to handle sketchy chemicals, get the 100% chemical-free SpringWell WS1.

Pro 3 of 6: Also filters iron (7 ppm), manganese (2 ppm), and sediment

Third, the WS1 also removes up to 7 ppm of iron and 2 ppm of manganese. It also, though to a lesser extent, can handle sediment.

AIO and manganese greensand also work against iron and manganese. Both iron and manganese are commonly found alongside sulfur in private wells and are the most common contaminants well owners face. This is why the SpringWell WS1 is also the best overall whole-house filter for well water. Its 152-micron sediment filter will prevent large particles from damaging your system. This includes sand, dust, gravel, and other particles you might find in well water.

This means you won’t have to purchase separate filters to handle these common well water problems. If you have reddish-brown or black stains in your sinks, tubs, and toilets, large-particle sediment contamination, and water that smells like rotten eggs, you should get the SpringWell WS1. It will solve all these problems in one unit.

Pro 4 of 6: Maintenance-free and cheap to own

Fourth, the SpringWell WS1 is virtually maintenance-free and therefore costs next to nothing to own.

The only required maintenance is periodic cleaning — not changing — of the sediment filter, which collects sediment (naturally) and will eventually clog. Most other sulfur filters use disposable sediment filters, which involve regular additional costs. But with the WS1, if you take care of the mesh screen, it can last a minimum of five years and a maximum of forever. The AIO and modern manganese greensand do not need any upkeep and can last 25 years or more even under extreme conditions. This sets it apart from the Matrixx Infusion from US Water Systems, which might filter more sulfur but requires cumbersome maintenance procedures.

All of this means that if you want a sulfur filter you can set and basically forget, one that won’t cost you a lot of money to maintain, you should get the SpringWell WS1.

Pro 5 of 6: Innovative Bluetooth head and water monitor 

Fifth, this whole-house filter is equipped with smart features that will make managing your water filtration a breeze. If everything else in your home lets you control it from your phone or tablet, why not your water filter?

The Bluetooth control head allows you to control the timing, duration, and frequency of the backwash and regeneration cycles. You can also control the valve and air-draw settings and check your water usage — all from your smartphone. SpringWell also offers an add-on device for monitoring water and shutting it off automatically in case of any hazard, such as flooding. This comes at an extra cost but with this device attached to your system, you can monitor flow rates and get notifications of leaks or other malfunctions. 

If you’re seeking convenient control of your entire whole-house system right at your fingertips, the SpringWell WS1 is your solution.

Pro 6 of 6: Includes industry-best lifetime warranty

The sixth benefit of this system is that SpringWell offers a lifetime warranty on its components, along with a six-month money-back guarantee. So, if for any reason you’re not satisfied (which is unlikely, given the reviews), you can always return the product and receive a refund for up to six months. 

When purchasing whole-house systems, you’re investing a significant amount in the unit, its installation, and its maintenance. It’s essential to look for products that offer a good warranty, ensuring your hard-earned money won’t be wasted. SpringWell understands this and ensures its customers have a seamless experience from start to finish.

If you’re looking for a whole-house filter with lifetime protection, get the SpringWell WS1.

Cons

As with any product, there are a few downsides to the SpringWell WS1.

Con 1 of 2: Not suitable for acidic well water

The SpringWell WS1 performs optimally when water’s pH level ranges between 6.5 and 10, meaning it won’t work efficiently for acidic (less than 6.5 pH) well water. Make sure to test your well water and chat with SpringWell customer service before you make a decision. If your water is on the acidic side, you may need to check out what US Water Systems has to offer.

Con 2 of 2: Limited sediment filter 

Another thing to consider with the WS1 system is its sediment filter. If your well water has a lot of fine sediment, this filter might not catch all the particles. 

The WS1 is designed to catch larger particles with its 152-micron rating. While it does a good job with large sediment particles, too many fine particles could affect the filter’s ability to function properly. 

Overall: 9.8/10 

The Springwell WS1 whole-house well water filter is ideal for families with sulfur in their wells seeking an effective, chemical-free solution that’s easy to maintain. It also removes iron and manganese to produce the fresh, non-staining water throughout all taps in the house.

What sets the SpringWell WS1 apart is its chemical-free operation, minimal maintenance requirements, smart Bluetooth control, and extensive warranty coverage. 

If you want to get rid of that rotten egg smell in your well water permanently, the SpringWell WS1 can help you achieve that.

OR…

For a more in-depth look at the WS1, read my full SpringWell WS1 review.

Best Heavy-Duty: Matrixx Infusion 9.5/10

The US Water Systems Matrixx Infusion is the best heavy-duty sulfur filter because it can remove up to 30 ppm of sulfur! It also offers a high flow rate and provides a good warranty on components.

Pros

Four considerable benefits come with the Mattrix Infusion:

Pro 1 of 4: Heavy duty cleaning of iron and manganese

The first pro of the Matrixx Infusion is that it can remove up to 20 ppm iron, and 1 ppm of manganese, making it best for situations with severe iron contamination. 

This whole-house filter uses hydrogen peroxide’s strong oxidation ability to remove iron and manganese. After oxidation, the catalytic carbon filter removes the oxidized contaminants from the water, making it impossible for iron and manganese to stain your sinks and toilets. 

Even though this system introduces hydrogen peroxide into the water, the final product doesn’t leave any chemical by-products in your water. After all, hydrogen peroxide is just water with an extra oxygen particle. So, you don’t really need to worry about added chemicals. 

If you’re looking to treat extreme iron contamination in your well water, you should get the US Water Systems Matrixx Infusion.

Pro 2 of 4: Cleans sulfur-reducing and iron-oxidizing bacteria 

The second-best thing about this system is that it can effectively remove iron-oxidizing and sulfur-reducing bacteria in well water. It’s important to note that iron and sulfur bacteria differ from regular iron and hydrogen sulfide contamination. These bacteria create soft and slimy biofilms that can clog wells and plumbing systems.

One thing to keep in mind is that this filter will not remove existing sulfur and iron bacteria from your plumbing system; it will only prevent their formation in the future. If you already have slimy bacteria in your well and plumbing system, you need to find out how they’re getting in there, fix it, and then shock-chlorinate your well. Even after installing this system, if the bacteria are already present in your pipes, the rotten egg smell may persist.

If you have black slime around your sinks, tubs, and toilets along with high sulfur and iron concentration, the Matrixx Infusion will help prevent that. 

Pro 3 of 4: Effectively operates across a wider range of pH levels and flow rates 

The second pro of this unit is that it suits a wider range of pH levels and flow rates. The filter can effectively perform between the pH range of 6–9. 

Also, depending on the size of your home and the number of bathrooms, you can choose from four flow rate options — 10 gpm, 15 gpm, 20 gpm, or 25 gpm. So, it’s pretty adaptable to your needs. The 10 gpm option works for a small household with one to three bathrooms. But if you have a large family in a big home, you should check out the 20 or 25 gpm options.

So, if you’re looking for a filter that can effectively treat extremely acidic well water measuring less than pH 6, or if you have unusually high or low flow rates in your home, check out the Matrixx Infusion. 

Pro 4 of 4: Controlled backwashing and precise chemical injection

The fourth benefit of this system is, like SpringWell’s well-water filter, the Matrixx Infusion can connect to your smartphone, and you can control it from anywhere. You can program the backwash cycles, saving a huge amount of water that is otherwise wasted in unregulated backwashing.

The system makes sure it injects the precise amount of chemical into the system depending on the flow rate of the incoming water. It does so using technology that regulates chemical injection. So, for example, if you’re filtering more water than usual, the system will adjust the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the filtration process to accommodate. 

If you’re seeking the convenience of smart technology in your water filtration system, consider checking out the Matrixx Infusion. 

Pro 5 of 5: Removes up to 30 ppm of sulfur

Last but not least, the final outstanding feature of this filter is its capability to remove up to 30 ppm of sulfur, which far exceeds the sulfur removal of even the best overall sulfur filter, the SpringWell WS1. 

The Matrixx’s robust oxidation technology effectively tackles severe sulfur contamination. Any sulfur levels over 10 ppm are considered severe. Most filters will remove up to 10 ppm but few go beyond that, meaning it’s not easy to find a filter that suits extreme sulfur contamination.

If you’re looking for a robust system that can tackle severe sulfur contamination, you should go with the Matrixx Infusion. 

Cons

Here are four points to keep in mind about this filter.

Con 1 of 4: High purchase price and costly maintenance

The first drawback is that while the Matrixx Infusion is a great fit for severe sulfur and iron contamination in well water, it is more expensive than the rest of the whole-house sulfur removal systems on my list, such as the SoftPro Iron Master, which costs almost half as much.

Not only is the up-front cost high, but you’d also be spending a handful on its installation and maintenance as well. Just the hydrogen peroxide refill alone costs around $200 to $600 per year depending on your water usage. Compare that to the SpringWell WS1, which has no maintenance costs whatsoever.

Con 2 of 4: Disappointing warranty

The second issue with this filter is its warranty. Unlike SpringWell, US Water Systems doesn’t give a lifetime guarantee for all parts. Only the media tank has a lifetime warranty. Valves and electronics are covered for 10 years, and the precision injection panel for just 5 years. After the warranty ends, fixing any problems could get expensive.

Plus, US Water Systems is vague and stingy about its money-back guarantee. Based on the website’s language, you may not even get a money-back guarantee unless you let the company craft a customized water filter for you. This comes with certain conditions that are implied but not clearly displayed on the website. 

Con 3 of 4: Large system demands more space 

The third downside to this system is its size. In comparison to filters like SpringWell or SoftPro, the Matrixx Infusion system is pretty darn big. 

You’ll need to ensure that you have sufficient space available in your basement or garage to accommodate not only the whole-house filter itself but also the hydrogen peroxide tank and wall-mounted metering system.

Con 4 of 4: Not a maintenance-free system

Unlike the SpringWell WS1, the Matrixx Infusion will require some routine maintenance from you and it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it type. There are a few things you’d need to include in your maintenance checklist. 

You’ll need to monitor your hydrogen peroxide levels diligently, ensuring you have refills on hand before the chemical runs out, with refill frequency depending on your water usage. 

Also, remember to clean the injection fitting every one to six months and consider replacing the injection pump tube every one to five years. Don’t forget to check the control valve periodically, especially after power outages, and adjust the settings as needed. Lastly, keep in mind that the carbon media tank should be replaced every three to five years, depending on your water’s contaminant levels and how much water your household uses.

Overall: 9.5/10

The Matrixx Infusion is a fantastic solution to extremely high hydrogen sulfide contamination because it can remove up to 30 ppm of this odor-causing gas. It’s also highly effective against iron, sulfur-reducing bacteria, iron-oxidizing bacteria, and manganese.

All the components are certified, guaranteed to last, and come with decent, if not exceptional, warranties. 

If you’re dealing with severe iron and sulfur contamination, order US Water Systems’ heavy-duty whole-house filter.

Best on a Budget: SoftPro Iron Master: 8.5/10

SoftPro Iron Master is a great alternative for removing iron, sulfur, and manganese in well water if your budget is limited and you still want an effective sulfur removal system. 

Pros

There are five qualities to love about the Iron Master:

Pro 1 of 5: Removes up to 5 ppm sulfur, 30 ppm iron, and 7 ppm manganese 

First up, the Iron Master effectively removes up to 5 ppm of sulfur and 30 ppm of iron in well water, removing the rotten egg smell and troubles caused by excessive iron. What makes the Iron Master stand out is that it can also remove up to 7 ppm of manganese, which is more than the SpringWell and US Water Systems models can remove. 

Similar to SpringWell, the Iron Master also utilizes air injection oxidation instead of chemical injection to oxidize sulfur. The oxidized particles are then trapped in the Katalox media, from where they are removed through backwashing. 

So, if you have a combination of sulfur and iron with manganese levels greater than 1 ppm and prefer not to use chemicals to treat your well water, the SoftPro Iron Master is a worthy alternative.

Pro 2 of 5: Improves pH 

The second advantage of the Iron Master is the Katalox media, in addition to AIO technology, that increases the pH of incoming water to 7.0 or higher.

This step offers three key benefits. First, Katalox media neutralizes acidic well water. Acidic water can corrode pipes, releasing toxic metals into the water. Second, this special media bed enhances iron oxidation by improving the pH level. Lastly, Katalox aids in trapping oxidized iron, sulfur, and manganese.

If your well water is acidic, with a pH below 6, get the SoftPro Iron Master iron and sulfur removal system. It can effectively neutralize your water while eliminating contaminants.

Pro 3 of 5: Equipped with a battery backup system

The third standout feature of the Iron Master is its control head equipped with a self-charging battery. This innovative technology remembers the backwash settings, including the date and time, for up to 48 hours.

This feature is particularly convenient for those residing in areas prone to frequent power outages. Even during blackouts, the Iron Master continues to perform its scheduled backwash cycle, ensuring uninterrupted filtration. With this system, you can have peace of mind knowing that your water filtration system remains operational regardless of power disruptions.

Order the Iron Master today and enjoy consistent access to clean, reliable water with every drop.

Pro 4 of 5: Lifetime warranty and six-month money-back guarantee

The fourth pro of the SoftPro iron and sulfur filter is that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a six-month money-back guarantee, which is splendid. At an affordable cost, you won’t be compromising on warranty coverage. 

If you’re seeking a cost-effective filter with lifetime protection, consider the SoftPro Iron and Sulfur removal filter.

Pro 5 of 5: Affordable pricing 

Last but not least, the biggest advantage of the SoftPro Iron Master, and what really makes it stand out, is its affordable pricing. 

This filter typically costs about 20%–30% less than competitors like the SpringWell WS1. And unlike the Matrixx Infusion, the Iron Master has no significant long-term maintenance costs. 

So, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford an expensive filter, the SoftPro Iron Master is the perfect solution for you. Not only does it provide excellent water filtration benefits, but it also won’t break the bank. 

Cons

Here are a couple of downsides you should be aware of:

Con 1 of 2: Removes less sulfur than other filters

The first downside of the Iron Master is that it can only remove up to 5 ppm of sulfur, which is lower compared to the capabilities of competitors like SpringWell and Matrix Infusion. As a result, it is best suited for situations with less-severe sulfur contamination.

However, it excels in removing other contaminants. It can effectively eliminate up to 30 ppm of iron and 7 ppm of manganese, surpassing the capabilities of many other filters. Since iron and sulfur often occur together in water, the SoftPro filter remains a great choice for homeowners dealing with both types of contaminants.

Con 2 of 2: No app controls

The second drawback is that the SoftPro filter doesn’t offer the convenience of smartphone control. Instead, you’ll have to physically go to where the unit is installed, whether it’s in the basement or garage, to manage it manually.

This could be disappointing for those who prefer the convenience of controlling appliances from their smartphones. If you’re keen on smart features and you don’t mind paying for it, you’re better off with the SpringWell WS1 or Matrixx Infusion.

Overall: 8.5/10

The SoftPro Iron Master iron and sulfur removal system is ideal for budget-conscious people who refuse to compromise on filtration effectiveness. This filter efficiently eliminates the rotten egg smell throughout the home without the need for chemicals or costly maintenance.

While it may not be suitable for severe sulfur contamination, it’s an excellent choice for dealing with lower concentrations and a combination of iron, sulfur, and manganese.

Honorable Mentions

Oceanic Water Systems AIS10-25SXT Whole House Filtration 8/10

The Oceanic Water Systems whole-house filter effectively removes sulfur up to 13 ppm and iron up to 23 ppm using AIO technology, but it offers a low flow rate and requires high maintenance. 

You will get a flow rate of 7 gpm, which is decent for a small household (two to three people) only. The system itself is easy to install if you’re handy. But you might need to maintain it regularly. 

The brand claims that its resin media is made to last up to 10 years, but if your water is full of gunk and has a high concentration of sulfur and iron, it may lose its efficiency and last about only 5 years. Furthermore, performance-wise, it’s not as impressive as the SpringWell WS1 and Matrixx Infusion. It’s good, but it’s not great. You can’t control the backwashing cycles using a smart device. Instead, you’ll need to go to the basement or garage, wherever this unit is installed, and check the control system manually. These days, consumers expect a bit more convenience.

Still, it’s a good alternative to tackle excessive iron and sulfur in well water, especially if your well water filter system budget maxes out at $1,000. Learn more about the Oceanic here.

PRO+AQUA Elite 7.5/10

I included the PRO+AQUA Elite whole-house filter on my list of sulfur filters because, in addition to sulfur and iron, this water filter claims to remove zinc, copper, lead, uranium, radionuclides, heavy metals, and hard minerals. It’s a five-stage whole-house filter that includes an 80,000-grain capacity water softener.

However, the company doesn’t specify how much sulfur this filter can remove, and I couldn’t find any test reports to confirm its effectiveness in removing such a long list of pollutants. PRO+AQUA provides a five-year warranty and lifetime technical support, which is less generous than the lifetime warranties offered by competitors like SpringWell.

Overall, the PRO+AQUA Elite is a good option for addressing the sulfur smell, but it may not be reliable for treating heavy sulfur contamination in your well water. You can find more details here.

The Bottom Line: The Best Water Filter for Sulfur

In the end, the SpringWell WS1 is the best sulfur filter for the average household on well water. It’s a chemical-free, automated, and long-lasting solution for sulfur, iron, and manganese contamination. SpringWell provides the best value for money by removing up to 8 ppm hydrogen sulfide, 7 ppm iron, and 1 ppm manganese with a maintenance-free system and an industry-leading warranty package. 

If you’ve severe sulfur contamination, however, I recommend the US Water Systems’ Matrixx. And if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to go for the SoftPro Iron Master. 

Feel free to leave a comment and share your experience with sulfur and hydrogen sulfide contamination. How did you get rid of the dreaded rotten egg smell?

Research Methodology: How We Test and Review Products

Reviewing whole-house water filters isn’t a day at the beach. At least, not when you’re as thorough as we are. To reach an objective conclusion, we compiled all the top-selling sulfur filters and used our qualitative and quantitative analysis to sort out the best one. 

The process is a smooth one thanks to our seven-step water filter product testing methodology. It’s the fruit of decades of experience with water filtration and the guidelines of industry experts. 

Here’s a sneak peek into each step to give you an idea of what goes on behind the scenes.

Use analysis

The first step is to sort the water filters based on their specific use. We thoroughly check the applications of each filter and see whether they’re designed for a particular user or not. 

Companies often label their products as “for everyone” or “for x number of contaminants,” which is often not true. This step helps us weed out impractical claims made by water treatment companies. 

You can learn about our use analysis here. 

Tech check

Next, we check the applied technology of each water filter, including whether it will actually address the specific issue or not. For instance, activated carbon filters effectively handle chlorine, sediment, and VOCs but can’t remove bacteria. 

We also look into newer technologies, reading the latest research papers to ensure the company isn’t selling snake oil. 

Learn more about the tech check portion of our review process.

Water test data

In our modern times, data is everything. We collect and review water sample test data from public resources, agencies, and users to analyze the performance of water filters. In some cases, we even conduct our own water sample testing with the help of certified labs for deep analysis. We use the data to differentiate between the “reality” and marketing gimmicks common in the filtration industry. 

Here’s how we analyze water test data. 

Installation test

Whole-house filters are a critical part of plumbing systems and often involve a challenging installation process. We thoroughly examine the installation process for each product, assessing whether it’s DIY friendly, the necessary tools needed, and company installation guidelines. 

To gain a better understanding, we interview both customers and plumbers experienced with similar products. This approach provides us with valuable insight into the complexities of water filter installation. Naturally, we rank the products with easier installation higher. 

Learn more about how we conduct our installation tests.

Cost-of-ownership analysis

The up-front cost of any water filter can only tell you so much. There are maintenance and hidden costs associated with every filter that customers should be aware of before investing in whole-house water filters. Knowing this, we jot down all the operational costs of the systems and include all the nitty-gritties in our reviews so you can be confident about your purchase. 

Learn more about our cost-of-ownership analysis. 

Warranty check

Warranties and guarantees are often like shiny rocks that deceive people into thinking they’ve found gold. Companies love to claim big warranties for their products without going into the details, which can come back to bite you later.

So, we do all the tedious work and authenticate all the warranties claimed by the brands for our readers. 

Here is how we conduct a warranty check.

Customer service test

Buying a whole-house water filter is a big commitment, and you need to know the company will support you in the long run. So, we examine the customer service of each company and evaluate their purchase and delivery procedures as well as their after-purchase responses to common customer queries. 

Learn more about our customer service test.

Before You Buy a Sulfur Water Filter 

There are a few things you must consider before investing in a whole-house filtration system for private wells. So, take out your pen and paper and start making notes. Just kidding! I’ll keep things nice and easy.

Water sample testing

Whole-house filters aim to remove sulfur, iron, and manganese from water, addressing odor, discoloration, and staining. However, these filters have limits, so testing your water is crucial. Sulfur, iron, and manganese often occur together, requiring tailored filtration systems. Without proper testing, choosing the wrong filter can lead to problems. Therefore, get your water tested by a reputable lab to determine the right approach.

pH level 

Having your well water tested will also provide information about the acidity of your groundwater. This is important because some water filters require a certain pH. AIO, for instance, is sensitive to low pH. 

Some filter media may deteriorate rapidly if the pH level falls below 6, which, unfortunately, isn’t uncommon. The EPA recommends healthy pH levels between 6.5 and 8. If your well water has a lower pH, consider installing an acid-neutralizing filter.

Flow rate 

Another critical factor concerning well water is ensuring optimal water flow from the well pump or pressure tank. 

See, most sulfur filters (the ones that actually work) run on a backwash cycle that needs strong water pressure. Otherwise, the filter media won’t rejuvenate, and bam! Your whole system goes kaput. 

The operating flow rate of the sulfur water filter must match your source water pressure. For details on how to calculate the flow rate from your water pump, check out this YouTube video. 

Other causes of rotten egg smell

Sometimes, homeowners complain that a rotten egg smell lingers even after installing the right whole-house filter. In such cases, the culprit might be something else.

Water heater tanks can gather sulfur-reducing bacteria, causing a funky smell in your hot water. Sometimes, a corroded sacrificial anode is behind the odor. If that’s the deal, swap out your anode and flush your water heater by pouring one cup (8 oz) of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 gallons of your water heater’s capacity.

Are sulfur and hydrogen sulfide dangerous to humans?

Sulfur in groundwater is not a serious health threat, but boy, does that smell make water undrinkable! It also leaves stains on laundry and fixtures, as well as speeding up corrosion. 

Whether it’s dangerous or not, we surely don’t want our water supplies contaminated with it!

In many household wells, you often find two kinds of sulfur contamination: hydrogen sulfide gas and sulfur-reducing bacteria. But here’s the thing: those bacteria actually make the hydrogen sulfide, so they’re kind of connected, not separate problems.

Sulfur gives water a bitter taste, alters its color, and, in more severe cases, can have a laxative effect, leading to diarrhea, especially in kids. On the other hand, hydrogen sulfide is the culprit behind that rotten egg water smell and taste. It’s also notorious for ruining laundry and staining toilets.

Back to product recommendations

Dive Deeper: In-Depth Water Filter Guides

If you’re interested in learning more about treating your well water, particularly addressing sulfur-related problems, explore our other helpful guidelines.

• Why Is My Water Yellow?
• How to Increase Pressure on a Well Pump
• Drinking Water Makes Me Nauseous
• The 7 Best Water Filters for Well Water
• The 12 Best Whole-House Water Filters
• Best Under-Sink Water Filters for Your Home

Frequently Asked Questions

What water filter will remove sulfur?

Water filters that will remove sulfur employ technologies such as chemical injection or air injection (AIO) to oxidize hydrogen sulfide into solid sulfur particles that can be removed by carbon or greensand. Reverse osmosis will also remove sulfur but may not always be the most practical solution.

The Springwell WS1 whole-house filter, which uses AIO and greensand, is a great example of a filter that will remove sulfur. 

Can you filter sulfur out of well water?

Yes, you can filter sulfur out of well water using air-injection oxidation (AIO) or chemical injection whole-house water filters, as well as reverse osmosis. 

How do you filter sulfur smell out of water?

You can filter sulfur smell out of water using air-injection oxidation (AIO), chemical injection whole-house water filters, or, to a lesser degree, reverse osmosis. 

How long does a sulfur filter last?

A sulfur filter lasts 5 to 10 years on average, depending on the filter quality, the specific filtration technology, and the severity of your sulfur contamination.