What Makes Water Taste Good?
The odor of tap water is strongly linked to its taste. No surprises there – the combination of taste and smell is well known. One of the most common complaints about tap water taste and odor involves Chlorine, which is an essential disinfectant used around the world. Chlorine might have an offensive smell, but it is a major weapon against pathogens spreading in our water supplies. Areas with very old and corroded pipes might add more Chlorine to counter the risk of microbial contamination entering the system.
Along with Chlorine, other issues affect taste and smell:
Hard vs. Soft
These qualities often reflect water’s origins, which affects aspects like its mineral content. Groundwater generally has a higher mineral content, particularly from areas of limestone rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates. Water with higher mineral content is called “hard” water.
Water with high levels of hardness may be frustrating when you wash your hands as it can stop a soapy lather forming. Very hard water might also have a salty taste. Hard water can create other issues, such as imparting an unusual flavor in tea or coffee and causing a build-up of scale minerals in appliances and water pipes.
The opposite of hard water is “soft” water. Soft water often comes from water supplies fed by stored rainfall, which generally contain very dilute sodium chloride, or by a household water softener that removes minerals.
Sulfur
A sulfur taste and odor, often termed “rotten-egg gas,” is commonly caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the water. H2S is a colorless gas that is naturally occurring in water and is most common in private wells. Similar to Chlorine, its odor might be detected when running a hot shower. The source of sulfur can be from water supply geology or decay of organic matter. Water with a sulfur rotten egg taste is by far the most common water taste and odor problem we hear about.
Chlorine
If you’re on city water or drink tap water when you’re out for dinner, you’ve probably experienced water with a bleach-like taste (lemon wedges can only do so much). This taste can vary throughout the year, especially during rainy seasons, as the city sometimes puts higher concentrations of Chlorine and chloramines into the water to treat bacteria and other impurities.
Tart Aftertaste
When the water coming from your tap has a tart aftertaste, this may be due to high concentrations of organic matter known as tannins. Indicators of tannins include a yellowish color and an earthy odor. Tannins are most common in well water.
Metallic Taste
A metallic taste is typically a sign of a high concentration of iron or a low pH. For iron, you will most likely see iron/rust staining around drains. For acidic water, you may see some blue-green staining around fixtures. A simple water test can help you identify this.
