Does Your Water
Taste or Smell “Off”?
Does Your Water
Taste or Smell “Off”?
Family Owned &
Operated
50+
Years in Business
Common Off-Flavors & Odors in Tap Water
Does your water have a distinct flavor or smell? Perhaps it tastes a bit like pool water. Or maybe you’ve noticed a smell similar to rotten eggs. A number of sediments, chemicals, and bacteria can throw off the taste and smell of your water. Depending on the severity and the source, bad tastes and odors may be a harmless nuisance or an indication of something more serious.
Unusual Tastes & Odors, Explained
Tastes
There are many substances that can lurk in your water supply and cause an unpleasant taste. For example, water with elevated levels of iron may taste bitter or metallic. If your water tastes musty, it could be due to bacteria or sediments.
Odors
Many of the issues that cause water to taste less than fresh also cause an unpleasant smell. Chlorine, which is commonly used in public water systems to remove bacteria, can leave your water smelling and tasting like a pool. Water with a rotten-egg smell is often due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas dissolved in the water.
How Can Water with Unusual Odors or Flavors Affect You & Your Home?
Unpleasant Drinking Water
Negative Health Effects
Property Damage
Removing Tastes & Odors from Your Water
There are a number of reasons your water may have an unpleasant odor or taste, and a water analysis can determine the cause of the issue. From there, a certified water specialist can recommend the best treatment system for your home.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of bad tastes or odors in home tap water?
A water test is the most reliable way to identify the exact cause and how severe the issue is.
Are there any tastes or smells that mean I should immediately stop drinking my water?
If you notice any of these suddenly and without a clear explanation, stop drinking the tap water, switch to bottled water, and arrange for testing as soon as possible. If you’re on public water, contact your local utility to check for known issues in your area.
When I notice a strange taste or smell, should I test my water right away?
Is water that tastes or smells bad always unsafe to drink?
Are bad tastes and odors caused by my home, or do they occur naturally?
However, household factors can sometimes contribute. Aging pipes may introduce metals like copper, and water heaters or plumbing systems can harbor sulfur bacteria that intensify odors. While homeowners are rarely the root cause, the condition of your plumbing and water system can influence what you experience at the tap.
Contact Us
When you need water conditioning services, trust Martin Water. For your no-obligation water analysis or for more information about our premium products, industry-leading warranties, and reliable service, contact us today!
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