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Water Tastes or Smells Like Gas or Oil: Causes, Testing, and Treatment 

Water that suddenly smells or tastes like gasoline, fuel, or oil requires prompt attention. The odor may indicate petroleum-related contamination. However, this water problem can also come from bacteria, sulfur compounds, a water heater, plumbing, or another source. Smell alone cannot identify the cause or show whether the water is safe.

If your water has a gasoline or petroleum odor, stop using it for drinking and cooking until the cause has been investigated. Municipal-water customers should contact their water utility. Private-well owners should contact Besco Water Treatment and their local health department for guidance on appropriate testing.

If the odor is present in the room when no water is running, treat it as a possible natural-gas leak rather than a water problem. Leave the area immediately and call 911 and your gas utility from a safe location. Do not operate lights, appliances, phones, or anything else that could create a spark while inside the affected area. 

Why Does My Water Smell or Taste Like Gas or Oil?

Possible reasons your water smells or tastes like gas or oil include:

  • Petroleum contamination: 

    Gasoline, heating oil, solvents, and related chemicals can enter groundwater following a leaking fuel tank, spill, improper chemical disposal, or industrial release.

  • Iron or sulfur bacteria: 

    These organisms can produce unpleasant odors, slime, or an oily-looking film in well water.

  • Sulfur compounds: 

    Hydrogen sulfide and related compounds usually produce a rotten-egg odor.

  • Reactions within a public water supply: 

    In some circumstances, disinfectants can react with naturally occurring compounds and create an odor that resembles petroleum or a burnt match.

  • A localized plumbing or water-heater problem: 

    An odor limited to one faucet or only the hot water may originate in a fixture, drain, or water heater rather than the incoming supply.

Can Water That Tastes or Smells Like Gas or Oil Cause Health Problems?

Yes. Water contaminated with gasoline, fuel oil, solvents, or related petroleum chemicals can cause health problems. Depending on the substance, its concentration, and the length of exposure, possible effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, headaches, and dizziness. Some petroleum chemicals may cause more serious health effects after prolonged exposure.

A gas-like or oil-like taste does not reveal which chemicals are present or how much the water contains. Stop using the water for drinking and cooking until water testing identifies the cause and determines what action is necessary.

How Besco Tests Water That Smells Like Gas or Oil

When you schedule water testing with Besco, tell our team that your water smells or tastes like gas or oil. A technician will visit your home and collect a water sample from your tap, well, or other water source.

The sample will be analyzed to identify what may be causing the unusual taste or odor. Once the results are available, Besco will explain what was found, answer your questions, and recommend appropriate treatment if needed. This process allows us to base our recommendations on what is actually in your water instead of relying on the smell alone.

Treatment Options for Gas or Oil Tastes and Odors

The appropriate solution depends on what is producing the unusual taste or odor. Besco may recommend one of the following treatments or combine multiple systems when the water has more than one problem.

  • Activated Carbon Filtration

    Activated carbon filtration reduces many petroleum-related organic compounds and the tastes and odors they cause. As water passes through the filter, these compounds become trapped on the carbon’s porous surface.

    The EPA identifies granular activated carbon as an effective treatment for many volatile organic compounds and substances that cause unpleasant tastes and odors. Besco can install a water filtration system designed for the compounds affecting your household water.

  • Oxidation and Filtration

    Oxidation and filtration can address hydrogen sulfide, iron, and other substances that affect well water. The oxidation process converts dissolved substances into particles that the filtration media can capture.

    Besco offers well water filtration systems designed to reduce sulfur odors, iron, sediment, and other common groundwater problems.

  • UV Water Treatment

    When bacteria or other microorganisms are present, Besco may recommend UV water treatment. UV light inactivates susceptible microorganisms as water passes through the treatment chamber.

    UV does not remove gasoline, oil, sulfur compounds, or other chemical contaminants. It may be combined with filtration when the water has both chemical and microbiological concerns.

Gas and Oil Odor in Water FAQs

  • Why does my water smell like gas?

    Water may smell “gassy” because of petroleum-related chemicals, sulfur compounds, bacteria, a plumbing problem, or another source. A water test will identify the root cause of this problem.

  • Can activated carbon remove a gasoline or oil odor from water?

    Activated carbon can reduce many petroleum-related organic compounds and the tastes and odors they cause. The filter must be selected for the particular contaminants found during testing. Carbon should not be assumed to treat every chemical described as “gas” or “oil.”

  • Does UV treatment remove gasoline or oil from water?

    No. UV treatment does not remove gasoline, oil, methane, or dissolved chemical contaminants. Besco may recommend UV when testing identifies bacteria or another microorganism that requires disinfection.

  • Does boiling remove gasoline or oil from water?

    No. Boiling is not an appropriate treatment for petroleum-contaminated water and may release volatile chemicals into the air. Use an alternative source for drinking and cooking until testing identifies the problem and appropriate action.

  • Will a water softener remove gasoline or oil?

    No. A conventional water softener reduces hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. It is not designed to remove petroleum-related contaminants.

Discuss Gas or Oil Odors in Your Water With Besco

If your water tastes or smells like gas or oil, do not select a filter based on the odor alone. Besco can help determine the appropriate testing, explain the results, and design treatment for the problem identified in your water.

Explore other common water problems or contact Besco Water Treatment to discuss testing, activated carbon filtration, UV treatment, or service for an existing system.

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