Water Taste: Pollutants' Impact And Solutions

Water is an essential resource that we use every day, but it can sometimes have an unpleasant taste or odour. While the link between taste and what's in the water isn't always clear, certain flavours can indicate issues with the water supply. For example, a fishy, earthy or mouldy taste likely indicates an algal bloom in the source water, whereas a metallic taste could be caused by zinc, iron or manganese in the water. A salty taste could be the result of high chloride levels, which may indicate a leak from a saltwater system. A sudden change in taste could also mean that sewage has contaminated the water supply. In addition to taste, water can also have an unpleasant odour, such as sulphur or sewage, which may be caused by bacteria or chemical reactions. While some of these contaminants are mostly harmless, others can cause serious health issues. Therefore, it is important to identify the causes of odd tastes or smells in water and take appropriate action, such as notifying the authorities or installing water filters.

Chlorinated tap water

Chlorine is added to tap water to make it safer to drink. It is an effective disinfectant that kills bacteria, eliminates algae and slime, and removes hydrogen sulfide from groundwater. While it is important for maintaining water quality, it can also affect the taste of the water.

Chlorine has a distinctive taste and smell, and even small amounts can be detected by humans. If you can taste or smell chlorine in your tap water, it means that there is not enough chlorine residual in the water. Insufficient chlorination can lead to the formation of chloramines and chlororganics, which contribute to the unpleasant taste and odour.

To improve the taste of chlorinated tap water, you can try the following methods:

• Carbon filtration: Activated carbon filters, such as pitcher filters or faucet-mounted filters, are effective in reducing the chlorine taste and odour.
• Boiling: Boiling your water for 5-15 minutes can help reduce the chlorine taste.
• Refrigeration: Storing your water in the refrigerator for 24 hours can also improve the taste.
• Alternative disinfection methods: Chlorination is not the only way to disinfect water. Other methods, such as ultraviolet disinfection, can be used to treat water without affecting the taste.

It is important to note that small amounts of chlorine in tap water are not harmful to health. However, if you are concerned about the taste or smell, the above methods can help improve the palatability of your water.

Salty water

Causes of Salty Water

Natural Occurrences

Saltwater often intrudes on freshwater sources due to the attraction of the Sun and Moon, primarily the Moon, on the surface of the sea. When the flow of freshwater rivers is insufficient, seawater can be drawn inland, mixing with brackish water and causing upstream rivers to become salty. This phenomenon, known as a "salty tide" or "salty tide uptrace", results in increased chloride concentrations in the water, leading to a salty taste. Seawater generally has a chloride concentration of over 5000 mg/l, while freshwater rivers typically have a few milligrams per liter. During a salty tide, the chloride concentration in river water can exceed 250 mg/l, which is noticeable to human taste buds.

Additionally, sulfates such as magnesium sulfate and sodium sulfate can occur naturally in soil and rocks. As groundwater or rainwater move through the earth, they can dissolve these sulfates and carry them into local water supplies. While water containing sulfates is usually safe to drink, it can damage pipes.

Industrial and Agricultural Activities

Industrial waste and irrigation drainage are common causes of high chloride levels in water. When released into the environment, these wastes can contaminate nearby water sources, increasing the salt content and leading to a salty taste.

Water Treatment Processes

The use of sodium in water softeners to neutralize minerals in hard water can also lead to a salty taste. While water softeners are designed to replace hard minerals with sodium, a properly balanced system should not impart a salty flavour to the water. However, if the water softener is not functioning correctly or is set to the wrong control settings, it can result in excess sodium in the treated water.

Health Considerations

While slightly salty water is generally considered safe to drink and does not impact human health, it is recommended that individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease minimize their consumption of salty water. Additionally, the aluminum content in alum, a substance used to remove saltiness and purify well water, can be harmful to the human body, potentially leading to senile dementia with long-term consumption. Therefore, it is advised to use less alum and opt for alternative water purification methods, such as installing a whole-house reverse osmosis water filter, which can effectively remove the salt taste and improve the overall taste of the water.

Metallic taste

Water with a metallic taste is usually the result of metal contaminants. The most common cause of metallic-tasting water is a high concentration of iron, which is particularly prevalent in homes with well water. However, this can also occur in homes supplied by the city. Other metals that can cause a metallic taste include manganese, lead, zinc, copper, and mercury. These contaminants often come from old pipes, particularly those made from iron, but they can also be present in the water supply itself.

Low pH levels can also cause water to taste metallic. This is sometimes referred to as "soft water", and it can give water a sour or acidic taste. A pH level below 7 will be more noticeably acidic, but the normal pH range for water is 6.5 to 8.5.

If you suspect your water has a metallic taste, it is important to get it tested to ensure that it is not contaminated with harmful substances such as lead. If the metallic taste is due to metal pipes, running the water for a while may help to improve the taste slightly. Installing a whole-house filtration system can also help to remove the metallic taste and protect your health.

Wet dog odour

The wet dog smell is likely caused by a combination of factors, including metal concentrations in pipes, organisms, bacteria, and chemicals used to remove certain organisms. Lead, copper, magnesium, iron, and sodium can build up in plumbing, tainting the water supply. Both PVC and copper pipes can collect mineral deposits, providing a breeding ground for bacteria, which then affects the scent of the water. Additionally, the chemicals used to remove these organisms can also contribute to the odour.

If your water supply comes from a municipal treatment facility, the wet dog smell is most likely safe, as this water is regularly tested. However, if your water comes from a private well, bacteria may be the cause of the odour. Well water tends to accumulate more bacteria than regularly treated sources.

To address the issue, you can locate the taps where the foul smell is strongest, and get your water tested by a local water testing lab. If your water comes from a private source, such as a well, additional steps may be necessary.

Cloudy water

Air Bubbles

The most common cause of cloudy water is often the presence of air bubbles. This type of cloudiness is typically harmless and can be caused by aerated water, water hammer (when water flows at high speed and suddenly stops, causing pipes to vibrate and creating a vacuum that sucks in air), leaks in the plumbing system, high water pressure, or faulty valves or fixtures. This type of cloudiness usually disappears within a few minutes as the air escapes from the water.

Sediments and Minerals

Another common cause of cloudy water is the presence of sediments or minerals such as sand, dirt, rust, or limescale buildup in the water supply or pipework. These particles can come from pipes, the water source, or the supply system itself, making the water appear cloudy and affecting its taste, even if it is naturally clear. Hard water, which has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can also cause cloudiness and leave chalky white deposits on surfaces. While hard water is not harmful to health, it can cause issues for appliances and plumbing systems.

Chlorine

Chlorine is often added to the water supply as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viral contamination. Sometimes, a high concentration of chlorine can make the water appear cloudy, but this usually disappears within a few days.

Changes in Temperature

Changes in temperature can also lead to cloudy water due to the formation of air bubbles or dissolved gases. Cold water can hold more dissolved gases than warm water, so a sudden change in temperature can cause the gases to come out of solution, resulting in cloudy water.

While cloudy tap water is generally safe to drink, there are a few factors to consider. If your water comes from a private well, it is essential to have it tested regularly to ensure it is free of harmful contaminants. Even if your water is treated, understanding the treatment process is crucial, as some methods like chlorination can cause temporary cloudiness. Additionally, if the cloudiness persists for an extended period, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as high levels of bacteria or other contaminants.

Frequently asked questions