Does Your Water Smell Bad?

Pure water is colorless, tasteless, odorless, and free from any contaminants, but it is rarely found in this perfect state in homes. Many homeowners notice water that tastes or smells unusual, which is one of the main reasons people turn to bottled water. However, bottled water is often expensive and environmentally taxing—millions of barrels of oil are used each year to produce and transport it, and billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills. In many cases, bottled water is simply filtered tap water. Instead of dealing with these costs and environmental impacts, homeowners can get their water tested and install the appropriate water treatment system to enjoy cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water right at home.

The first step toward improving water quality is identifying what might be wrong with your water. Unpleasant tastes, odors, or discoloration may indicate the presence of contaminants such as chlorine, sediment, or even trace metals. The good news is that there are numerous water treatment options available, including whole-home filtration systems, water softeners, and reverse osmosis units, each designed to address specific water quality issues. Rather than guessing which system is best, working with a certified water treatment expert ensures your water is properly tested and the right solution is installed for your household. With the right system, you can enjoy refreshing, safer water every day while reducing reliance on bottled water and helping the environment.

If Your Water Has

An Odd Taste Or Smell, Have It Tested.

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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 a water professional for a water test.

Solutions for Rotten Egg Smell:

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 contacts.

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.

Solutions for Metal Taste in Water

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, and the appropriate water treatment equipment can be installed to solve the problem.

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Solutions for Earthy or Musty Water:

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 and foods and drinks made with water. 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.

Learn more about Chlorine in Water

Chlorine in Water

Solutions for Chlorine Smell:

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 determine the best water treatment plan of action.