Odours and flavours
Foul-smelling or bad-tasting water are indicators of bacteria or other contaminants.
Taste and odour problems
Tap water can sometimes taste, smell or look different from the usual tasteless and transparent liquid you are used to. Not all changes in the taste, smell and appearance of tap water indicate a health risk. However, there are some cases where you should stop drinking tap water and have it checked by a professional.
Chemical tastes and odours
Normal tap water is neutral in taste and odour. If your water is contaminated, it may have a strong smell or taste of the following chemicals:
- Chlorine
- Petroleum or petrol
- Turpentine
- Metals (iron, copper)
Tap water that smells or tastes of chlorine is usually nothing to worry about. Tap water is disinfected with chlorine so that we can drink it without hesitation. However, if the chlorine smell or taste is too strong, you should look for the cause.
Tap water that smells or tastes of petroleum, petrol or turpentine should never be consumed. There is a high probability that it is contaminated.
Tap water that smells or tastes of iron or copper could contain traces of the metals that make up your water pipes. Iron-containing water is safe to begin with. However, too much copper can cause severe headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin).
Other tastes and smells
If your tap water tastes or smells unpleasant but is not chemical, it could still be contaminated. Taste and smell problems that indicate water contamination include:
- Rotten eggs
- Mouldy soil
- Fish
- Salt
Tap water that smells or tastes like rotten eggs or sulphur is caused when a certain type of bacteria is present in the water or somewhere in your water system. Bacteria can be present in drains, water heaters, wells and inside pipes.
If the water smells like rotten eggs, the water heater is usually the culprit. The heater contains an element that protects it from corrosion, but this element can decompose over time and it smells like rotten eggs.
Tap water can also smell like mouldy soil or fish. If this is the case, there is probably solid organic matter in your water system or source that is beginning to rot. Then you should find out where the source of this is: either in the drain or in the water source.
Tap water contaminated with organic substances is ultimately harmless to health. Even water that tastes too salty is usually no cause for concern, but indicates a high sodium, magnesium or potassium content in the water.
However, if you live near the sea, salty water could indicate that seawater is getting into your tap water.
The colour of the water
Normal tap water is transparent and colourless. If your water suddenly has a different colour, then something is wrong.
Contaminated tap water can take on the following colours:
- Green or blue
- Black or dark brown
- Red, orange or yellow
- Milky white or cloudy
Tap water can also turn green or blue. This is when copper pipes corrode. As already mentioned, consuming too much copper in drinking water can lead to copper poisoning.
Black or dark brown tap water is usually caused by manganese in the water or water pipes. Flush all cold water taps and toilets - then your water should be clear again.
If your water pipes are made of galvanised iron, steel or cast iron, the iron rust in your pipes can turn the water red, orange or yellow. The water may have a metallic taste. However, iron does not pose a health risk.
If the tap water appears milky white or cloudy, fill a glass and wait a few minutes. If the water at the bottom of the glass becomes clear first, the turbidity was caused by trapped air bubbles and you can drink the water without hesitation.
Possible effects on health
Foul-smelling or bad-tasting water often indicates bacteria and other contaminants that can affect health:
- Irritation of the mouth and skin
- cancer
- Liver/kidney damage
- anaemia
- Damage to the nervous system
- Wilson's disease
- Laxative effects
- Dehydration
The table below shows this information in more detail.
Source:
https://www.waterfiltershop.co.uk/blog/taste-odour-filters-best-filters-taste-odour-problems/
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/tap-water-taste-smell-look-bad
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi9hZnzm_r2AhUNlf0HHcwmAe4QFnoECAYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wqa.org%2FLinkClick.aspx%3Ffileticket%3DUzyTWNS66UY%253D%26portalid%3D0&usg=AOvVaw0tHRGEBFO6Ngf57pv6YzSj
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