Tastes and odors in water - What are the causes ?
Pure water is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and free from any and all contaminants. But water is rarely found in its pure state. In fact, water that smells or tastes funny is a primary reason people turn to bottled water, which is expensive for you and pollutes the environment. Millions of barrels of oil are used each year to produce and transport bottled water, and billions of plastic bottles are added to our landfills. Bottled water is simply filtered tap water, in many cases. Instead of dealing with the expense, inconvenience and guilt that come with buying bottled water, get your water tested, and find the right solution.
COMMON TASTES AND ODORS IN WATER
“Rotten Egg” Smell In Water
If there is a rotten egg or sulfur smell in your water, the most likely cause is hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless, corrosive gas from decaying plant material that occurs naturally in some groundwater. It is also often present in wells drilled in shale or sandstone, near coal deposits or oil fields. Sulfur-reducing bacteria, which flourishes in hot water, can also change natural sulfates in water to hydrogen sulfide, causing the classic “rotten egg” odor. Hydrogen sulfide can affect the taste of food and beverages. If the concentration of hydrogen sulfide is high enough, it can also leave that rotten egg odor on hair and clothing washed in the water and can accelerate the corrosion of metal parts in appliances. If you suspect your water contains hydrogen sulfide, contact us for a water test.
Metallic Taste And Odor
Water that tastes like metal can indicate the presence of iron, copper, manganese, zinc or other metals. Naturally occurring in groundwater, iron and manganese can affect the taste and odor of water as well as cause stains on things the water touches.
Copper and zinc in water can be from an aging water distribution system or the corrosion of copper plumbing and brass fittings in your home. If you notice a metallic smell or taste to your water, it could contain copper or zinc. Though not harmful in trace amounts, large quantities of both zinc and copper can be harmful to humans.
Earthy Or Musty Taste And Odor
Sometimes people with well water or water from surface water supplies say their water has an earthy or musty taste or odor. This could be the result of decayed vegetation and other organic matter and are typically associated with different forms of algae. While the smells and odors are not toxic, they are unpleasant and can be offensive at very low concentrations. A water test will help determine what is causing the bad tastes and odors.
Chlorine Or Bleach Smell In Water
Another common complaint is water that smells and tastes of chlorine or bleach. This is typically found in city water supplies or where chlorine is used to disinfect a water supply. Many object to the smell of chlorine when showering, and chlorine can greatly affect the taste and smell of drinking water, foods and drinks. Although chlorine is needed to disinfect water, and it should remain in the water when it travels through the distribution system, once it is in your home, the chlorine is no longer needed.
Water quality can vary from home to home, neighborhood to neighborhood and region to region. Many things can cause water to smell and/or taste bad. To fully understand what is going on with the water in your home, schedule a water test. Once you know the causes, you can find the right solution.
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