Odor & Corrosion at the Wet Well
Detention time and turbulence both drive hydrogen sulfide generation in a typical lift station wet well.
Extended detention time in a wet well allows anaerobic conditions to develop, generating hydrogen sulfide that then off-gasses aggressively at the turbulent point where sewage discharges into a downstream gravity system.
Concrete wet wells are particularly vulnerable to H2S-driven crown corrosion; many are lined with corrosion-resistant coatings or HDPE liners specifically to address this.
Chemical odor and corrosion control (calcium nitrate, iron salts, or bioxide-type products) dosed directly into a wet well or upstream force main is a common operational response where source reduction isn't sufficient.
A wet well emitting noticeably stronger odor during pump-off periods, compared to during active pumping, often points to a detention time problem rather than a chemistry or dosing problem.
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