Express Plumbing Heating & Air Blog
Odd Tasting Tap Water
Something that most people would probably find strange to think about is the flavor of tap water. Unless you travel a bit, you may not even notice that tap water tastes different in different areas or regions. For example, tap water in the mountains may taste more clear and crisp, where tap water in the city may taste more filtered. There are certain flavors that you should be aware of. These can be indicators of dangerous chemicals or pathogens in your water.
The most common flavor or taste you may detect is a chemical one, like chlorine or bleach. The reason for this could be that your water treatment facility uses chlorine as a disinfectant. This is particularly common in areas with smaller treatment facilities. It is less expensive than using ozone to disinfect water. This water is generally safe to drink, as the amount of chlorine in the water is pretty small.
Metallic tastes in water can be caused by zinc, iron, or manganese. If zinc is present, it’s usually due to the corrosion of galvanized piping. Iron and manganese are naturally occurring in water sources. If you are noticing that your tea and coffee are getting darker, or that you have stains on appliances or laundry, it is likely that you have both iron and manganese in your water. If you notice that you have these in your water, make sure to keep up on water heater maintenance. Although safe to drink, they can leave deposits in your water heater over time.
If your water tastes like pennies, you probably have copper in your water. This is most likely from corrosion in copper plumbing systems. You should probably have your water tested if you taste this. When it gets to the level you can taste it, lighter hair can actually end up turning green! If the level gets above sixty milligrams per liter, it can cause intestinal discomfort.
Algal blooms at bacterial growth could cause your water to have a fishy, earthy, or moldy taste. This is more likely in the springtime. Because the water goes through a treatment system, there should not be any type of algae in it. Even so, the taste may linger. Fortunately, it is usually harmless to you and your family.
A salty taste could mean that you have a high concentration of chlorides in your water. These occur naturally, dissolving water as it moves through the earth. The taste can also indicate excess sodium in your water supply. However, leakage of sewage into your water can result in a salty flavor as well. You should have your system checked out if you detect this because if there is sewage in your drinking water, this could result in serious illness.
If your water smells or tastes like sulfur or rotten eggs, there are a couple of things it may be. It could be a result of various bacteria in your system. It also may come from hydrogen sulfide, which occurs when organic material decays in your water system. These are not usually considered dangerous to consume. However, hydrogen sulfide can corrode the plumbing and cause blackened water eventually.
These are the most common occurrences of strange taste in your water. If you are at all concerned for your or your family’s health, don’t hesitate! Call Express Plumbing Heating & Air so we can accurately diagnose your issue. Our experienced technicians are standing by to ensure your drinking water is safe for your household!
