Whenever you drink water that has a strange taste, it’s almost always because there’s something in the water that shouldn’t be there. One of the most common taste-related complaints that homeowners have about their water is that it gives off a metallic flavor. If this is a problem in your home, you’re likely wondering where that taste is coming from and whether or not you should be concerned. Today we’re going to address those concerns by talking about what types of water contaminants can give off a metallic taste and what you can do to get rid of them!

What causes tap water to taste metallic?

• High levels of iron. The most common explanation for water tasting metallic is that the water has a high concentration of iron. This is a big issue in homes with well water, but it can occur in homes that get their water from the city as well.
• Presence of other types of metals. Iron isn’t the only metal that can cause tap water to taste metallic. Other common tap water contaminants that produce a similar metallic taste include manganese, lead, zinc and copper.
• Low pH levels. If your home’s water has low pH levels, it can give off a strange taste that is often described as metallic.
• Water flows through aging pipes. If your city has an old water infrastructure (like many towns in America), metals can leech into your water as the water travels from the treatment plant to your home. In addition, if you have a home with old copper pipes, metals from those pipes can leech into your water as the water makes it way to your taps.

If your tap water tastes metallic, can it affect your health?

One of the first questions people have when their water tastes metallic is whether or not they should be concerned about their health. The answer depends on the source of the taste. Iron, for example, gives off a strong metallic taste but it does not generally pose any health issues. Lead and zinc, on the other hand, can produce some very serious health effects, especially at high concentrations. In order to determine whether or not your tap water is safe to drink, you should have it tested for free by EPA Water so that we can discover the root of the problem.

How can you remove the metallic taste from your tap water?

The best way to remove the metallic taste from your tap water is to install a whole house filtration system in your home. This type of system is installed at the point where water enters your home, so it will improve the taste of your water at every single tap while also protecting your family from possible health concerns. The system that you should install will depend on what specifically is causing the problem, so contact us today to have your water tested and we’ll help you find the perfect system for your home!

If you have any questions about why your tap water tastes metallic, or if you’d like a water system serviced or installed in your home, contact EPA Water Consultants, your water softener and water filtration system dealer in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We service areas all over Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including towns like Newtown, Buckingham and Lansdale, PA.

photo credit: HKmPUA via photopin cc