If you are here to find out “what does smelly water mean?” you are in the right place. Read on!
Why the Smelly Tap Water?
If your tap water is smelly, it most likely means one of six things:
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Disinfection chemicals
- Organic matter
- Bacteria
- Heavy metals
- Hard water minerals
The good news is that is what a whole-home water system handles! If you are looking to home in on an exact smell, here are some common ones and their causes:
What’s that Smell?
Foul Sewage Odor
A putrid sewage odor infiltrating your tap water may stem from the proliferation of bacteria within your water heater or stagnant water. Extended periods of absence or shutting down your heater to conserve energy can exacerbate the growth of these troublesome microorganisms.
Pungent Chlorine Fragrance
That unmistakable scent of chlorine or the reminiscence of a swimming pool emanates from the very element itself. Public drinking water sources frequently rely on chlorine or chloramine for disinfection purposes. While these chemicals serve the noble purpose of safeguarding us from microbial contaminants, the strong chlorine odor is far from universally appreciated.
Musty or Earthy Aroma
A musty or earthy essence in your tap water signals the presence of algal or bacterial colonies residing in your plumbing. Generally, this growth doesn’t pose immediate health risks but can be quite disagreeable to the olfactory senses.
Rotten Egg Whiff
A sulfurous tinge resembling rotten eggs typically indicates contamination by sulfur compounds. This rather unpleasant odor usually suggests the presence of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria, making it one of the most unwelcome scents in tap water.
Metallic Tang
The metallic taste and odor permeating your water supply are often a consequence of the corrosion of zinc, copper, iron, or manganese in aged water lines. Although trace amounts of these metals are generally non-threatening, the metallic flavor is hardly desirable, particularly if the water has a low pH.
Fishy Essence
Two common culprits for a fish-like aroma in your water are chloramine, a disinfectant used in municipal water treatment, and organic matter, such as decomposing plant material. Chloramine is the likely source in urban areas, while well water tends to acquire the fishy scent from organic decay.
Unusual Fuel-Like Smell
Detecting a fuel-like odor in your tap water is a rather uncommon occurrence. Such an unusual scent may be Such an unusual scent may be attributed to a leaking fuel tank or an underground fuel storage tank located in close proximity to your well or plumbing system.
For similar topics, check out these helpful posts:
How Do You Get Rid of Water Smell?
There are various solutions popular with homeowners on the market. This includes water softeners, water conditioners, and whole home water systems.
Read more to find out what Purity Bay can do to help!
Finding the Best System
What is the best water system for your home? The best system means the right one for your needs. Getting it right includes testing your water to understand what’s in it.
Purity Bay specializes in a wide range of home water solutions, including water softeners, reverse-osmosis systems, whole home water filtration systems and anything in between. Whether you need help selecting a water system or servicing an existing system, our experienced team can help you out! Schedule an appointment today
