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The Stinky Truth

The presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water will give off a distinctive smell of rotten eggs.
The presence of hydrogen sulfide in your water will give off a distinctive smell of rotten eggs.

Why does water sometimes stink? What causes this and is it harmful?

All great questions posed to me lately and here’s the skinny on stinky water.

Water is a universal solvent, and it’s easy to change the look and smell. Water that smells is most commonly caused by Hydrogen Sulfide. Hydrogen Sulfide naturally occurs as a result of decaying organic matter deep beneath the earth’s surface.

It has a very distinguishing odor of rotten eggs. On top of the bad odor it is corrosive and will cause black residue staining. The only harmful affect I have ever heard is it can work as a laxative. Some people have it in their water and don’t know how bad it smells. It will make you and your clothes smell.

Contact us today to test your water for unwanted chemicals.

Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive and can cause staining on surfaces, such as bathtubs.
Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive and can cause staining on surfaces, such as bathtubs.

Water Can Heal – Coughs And Colds

This is the first in a multi-part series on how water can help us overcome some of the most common ailments.

This is the time of year when we all succumb to coughs, colds and other ailments. As the weather changes outside, our bodies adjust, and sometimes not too well.

Each year, Americans suffer through one billion colds, says the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda. Children catch up to 10 colds a year, while adults average up to four. The yearly economic burden through lost workdays? Around $5 billion! And, there is nothing we can do about it. Or, is there?

Runny nose, fever, sore through, etc. are all familiar (and dreaded) symptoms of the common cold. And despite their efforts, the medical field has not found a miracle cure. In fact, the over-the-counter drugs available only battle the symptoms, and not the cause. The only thing we can really do to get over a cold is to ride it out.

However, the best way to fight a cold is just to prevent it from overtaking the body in the first place. Ways to prevent colds include:

  • Wash hands frequently
  • Take vitamins
  • Avoid people who have them.

But perhaps the most important and easiest form of prevention is of the common cold is sometimes also the most overlooked: sufficient fluid replacement. Fluids flush out harmful impurities and toxins in our bodies, and aid in the production of mucus. Since the body uses even more fluid than usual when fighting off a cold or the flu, the body can be left severely dehydrated without it.

Dehydration, among many things, can result in high fever. This is why extra water should be ingested when suffering these symptoms. In fact, the lack of water can make the cold and/or cough worse.

Water is obvious the fluids of choice, but juice, tea and soup broth are also acceptable. Water in other forms can be of help too. Hot beverages can be soothing to sore throat and can even help with decongestion. Also recommended is gargling salt water, and inhaling moist air, possibly through a humidifier.

In natural medicine, colds are looked at as the body’s way of detoxifying. During the autumn and winter, our bodies actually attempt to harmonize with the season. The body then condenses waste and cleanses excess mucus and congestions from tissue, which will improve circulation and get the blood pumping to keep us warm. However, this process gives flu like symptoms.Drinking more water will help the body detoxify. Exercise and sweating can also help keep the body clear of toxins.

Not only can water help prevent a cold, but it can also help sufferers feel better. More water in essence can build a stronger immune system, so drink up and stay healthy, and actually enjoy the cold season.

Do You Need A Dermatologist Or Just Clean Water?

My wife and I have been traveling for the holiday and every time we shower in hard water our skin breaks out.

What causes acne?

In people who have acne, dead skin cells mix with sebum (oil) produced by the skin and plug up hair follicles in the skin. Bacteria that grow in the plugged hair follicles cause more skin irritation. Acne commonly starts in the early teen years, when the oil glands in the body start making more sebum.

When the hair follicle becomes plugged with oil, skin cells, and hardness from water, a whitehead occurs. If the follicle is plugged near the surface of the skin and air touches the plug, it turns black and is called a “blackhead.” A blackhead isn’t caused by dirt.

How acne starts.
How acne starts.
Hard water can contribute to bad skin.
Hard water can contribute to bad skin.

If the wall of a plugged hair follicle breaks, the area swells and turns into a red bump. If the hair follicle wall breaks near the skin surface, the bump usually becomes a pimple. If the wall breaks deep in the skin, acne nodules or cysts can form. This is called “cystic acne.”

If you see water clogging the holes in the shower head, the water is doing the same to your skin. Call us today to test your water.

Salt Sale – Don’t Get Caught Short During The Holidays

e Water Company does not want you to run out of salt during the holidays and to prove it we are offering a great special.

To help ease the burden or stress of running low or out of salt this season, (and also ease the burden on the wallet a bit!), Reliable is offering a great deal for Queen Anne’s County residents.

Now through December 1st, we are selling our premium grade Solar Salt for just $6 for a 50lb bag. There is a 6-bag minimum and we will gladly deliver so call now to schedule your FREE delivery. Contact us today and that’s one less thing you need to worry about!