Have you ever had a glass of water that tastes, well, not so good? You may have chalked it up to the water source or blamed it on the pipes in your own home. But there are many possible reasons why your water tastes bad—and knowing what they are can help you find a solution. Read on to learn more about why your water might be tasting off and how to fix it.
What Causes Bad-Tasting Water?
- Hard Water
Hard water is the result of mineral deposits in your home’s plumbing system. It typically contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium, which can give it an unpleasant taste as well as make it difficult for soap to lather properly when washing dishes or clothes. The simplest way to remedy hard water is by installing a water softener in your home to remove these minerals from your water supply.
- Contaminated Wells
If your household gets its drinking water from a private well, there is a possibility that it has been contaminated by bacteria or other pollutants entering the groundwater. In these cases, you should have your well tested by a professional to determine if any contaminants are present and need to be removed from the drinking supply before use. Depending on the severity of contamination, this could involve additional filtration systems or even deeper well drilling if necessary.
- Chlorine
One of the most common causes of bad-tasting tap water is chlorine. Chlorine is a chemical agent used by municipalities to disinfect drinking water and rid it of bacteria and other contaminants. Unfortunately, this also makes your tap water taste and smell like bleach or swimming pools. The good news is that this is an easy problem to solve with the help of a carbon filter pitcher or faucet-mounted filter. These filters will remove the chlorine from your drinking water and leave you with better-tasting H2O.
- Old Pipes
Your pipes may also be contributing to poor-tasting water if they are old or corroded due to age or exposure to certain chemicals found in cleaners and disinfectants commonly used around the home. Replacing old pipes can help improve both the taste and quality of your drinking supply while also eliminating any potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated water over long periods of time.
- Contaminants & Bacteria
Improperly treated or stored drinking water can contain contaminants like pesticides, lead, nitrates, and bacteria that can affect its smell and taste as well as pose serious health risks if ingested over long periods of time. These contaminants are usually indicative of larger issues with well systems or municipal sources so if you suspect they may be present in your home’s drinking supply it’s best to consult a professional for testing and treatment options before consumption.
Water Treatment Options for Your Home or Business
There are a variety of options available to treat water in your home or business. From reverse osmosis systems to softeners, ultraviolet and carbon filtration, there’s something that suits every budget and need. Reverse osmosis is an effective filtration method that involves pushing water through a membrane that traps particles, microorganisms and other contaminants. Water softeners use salt-based exchange beads that help remove hard minerals from the water before passing it through small pores for additional cleaning. Filters can be installed directly onto kitchen taps to filter out large particles of sediment, dirt, lead and pyrogens from unfiltered tap water at the time of consumption. Knowing which option best fits your lifestyle is key when it comes to protecting the safety and quality of your drinking water supply.
Atlantic Blue Water Center can Resolve Your Poor Tasting Water
Bad-tasting water can be caused by many different things, ranging from hard minerals in your plumbing system to contaminants present in private wells or old pipes that need replacing. If you are experiencing issues with bad-tasting tap water in your home, have it tested by a professional so you can identify where the problem is coming from and take steps towards resolving it quickly and efficiently. Atlantic Blue Water Center can perform a water test and advise on the best way to treat the water at your home or business. With proper care taken now, you will have access to clean and great-tasting drinking water for years to come! Call today at (410) 751-9200!