Where i live we have wells and the water isnt that great at all ! so my trick that enables my family and my neighbors to have and enjoy clean germ free water is to put a full cup of clorox in our well every month ,then when the bad odor comes back about a month later well i know its time to add clorox again . i tried the cheaper off brand as well but it didnt take the odor away ,clorox did and with that i can feel confident that my family and neighbors are drinking good water !