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Why does my water look, taste, and smell strange?
Many things can lead to drinking water looking, tasting, or smelling strange. The following are some common issues notice with their water and what they could be.
Tastes or smells like bleach
Many large water systems treat their water with chlorine (bleach) to protect water quality and in many cases, the smell probably left over from this process known as disinfection and is not reason for concern. If the smell or taste is very strong, contact the water provider or health department. When drinking water wells have potentially been exposed to bacterial contamination, it is common to disinfect the well using chlorine in a process called shock-chlorination. It’s important that all of the chlorine be flushed out of the system before drinking the water. It is recommended that shock chlorinating a well be done under the supervision of a water professional to avoid chemical contamination of drinking water supplies.
Tastes metallic
Metallic tasting water can be caused by pipes made of iron or copper which can corrode over time and leach into the drinking water. This is not always a reason for health concern. Groundwater sources containing iron or manganese may cause drinking water to have a metallic flavor. Unlike the previously mentioned metals, lead in water is colorless and odorless.
Tastes salty
Water that tastes salty usually contains heightened levels of chloride ions which give off that salty taste. One of the most common reasons water tastes salty is when sodium chloride (salt) gets into groundwater supplies from seawater near coastal areas. Chlorides can also be found naturally in the ground, leading some groundwater to taste salty. If your water system has a water softener, salty tasting water can mean the water softener is malfunctioning.
Tastes or smells like rotten eggs
Groundwater sometimes touches rocks and minerals that have sulfur. Certain bacteria can use this sulfur for energy and release hydrogen sulfide gas which gives off a rotten eggs smell. When the smell comes through in hot water, it is usually from the hot water heater. Industrial waste, farm runoff, and improperly located septic systems could also potentially lead to hydrogen sulfide gas-releasing bacteria. If you are on a public water supply, your water smells like rotten eggs, and you know it is not your water heater, call your water utility immediately.
Short-term exposure to small amounts of hydrogen sulfide can cause nausea and headaches, while large amounts can be toxic. Hydrogen sulfide is often noticeable in very small amounts and by the time there is enough in the water to make you sick, you would likely not consider drinking it.
Tastes or smells like gasoline
If your drinking water tastes or smells like gasoline or petroleum, it could mean the water is contaminated by chemicals. Chemicals can contaminate groundwater when fuel tanks or chemicals from nearby driveways or parking lots get into groundwater. Industrial manufacturing discharge can also get into groundwater. Sometimes large water systems using chlorine to disinfect their water will use a water high in sulfides. The chlorine and sulfides can react, causing a burnt match/petroleum smell, but this is not a serious health risk. Drinking water that is polluted by gas or solvents can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and lead to more serious illness. If you notice your drinking water smelling like gasoline, call your utility or health department immediately.
Tastes sweet
Drinking water that tastes sweet is usually a sign that minerals like calcium and magnesium are in the water. These flavors are not harmful. Large amounts of calcium and magnesium in water can result in higher levels of what is called water hardness, which can lead to 'scaling' or the formation of mineral deposits in pipes, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Hard water can result in soap scum, dry skin, and affect the washing of clothes. While sweet tasting water is not a risk to health, it could be an indicator of nuisance in your pipes.
Tastes or smells earthy or moldy
Water that smells or tastes moldy is often a sign that there is organic matter in the water system. Things like algae, plant material, iron, and manganese can leave behind an earthy taste or smell but do not exactly mean the water is unsafe to drink. Groundwater can sometimes become contaminated by organic material from nearby septic systems, agriculture, or landfills and should be tested for bacteria.
Pipes can also develop biofilms which are layers of bacteria and microorganism which can leave earthy, musty, and moldy flavors in the water. Large water systems that disinfect their water often remove and account for the things that cause earthy tasting water and there is little or no risk to health even though there is some flavor potentially left behind. Small water systems that do not disinfect and filter their water may want to test their water for bacteria when they notice an earthy or moldy taste in their drinking water, because it could mean the water is contaminated.
Water contains dark sludge or slime
Water containing sludge, slime, or dark flakes usually means there are microorganisms growing in the water system and pipes. Debris from pipes can be the result of biofilms which are thin slimy layers of bacteria and other microorganisms growing in pipes. Biofilms usually grow in water that is high in nutrients. Large water systems can sometimes cause debris to be knocked loose from pipes during maintenance, changes in water treatment, changing water sources, and disturbances in the distribution system. Although the dark sludge or slime looks bad, these biofilms are not usually a health risk.
Water color is black or dark brown
Drinking water that comes from the tap and appears black or brown is usually caused by the presence of manganese in the water or pipes. Children and adults drinking water with high levels of manganese can experience health complications, so if you suspect high levels on manganese in your water, it is advised to test your water.