Contrary to what the smell might tell you, foul-smelling water won’t make you sick and is usually caused by hydrogen sulfide. This combination of sulfur and bacteria is present in nearly all the water in your home, and the odor occurs when the magnesium anode rod in your water heater reacts with these materials. To get rid of the smell, you may need to either replace the magnesium anode rod or schedule water purification services for your water heater.