What's In This Article
If you have been having issues with the water in your well taking on a slightly metallic smell, getting to the bottom of the problem as soon as possible should be your number one priority.
In this article, we will take a look at the possible reasons for this, as well as the steps you can take to get your water smelling and tasting its best again in no time.
Why Does My Water Taste Like Metal?
The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks about metal is rust.
While it’s true that metals are prone to corrosion, there are other things that cause your water to taste like metal.
The most common culprits include:
Hardness
When minerals such as calcium and magnesium build up over time, they can make your water hard.
This can happen naturally or through improper maintenance. To prevent hardness from building up, add an acidifier to your water.
pH
Your water may also have a high pH level due to excessive alkalinity.
Alkaline waters tend to leave a metallic aftertaste because of their high mineral content. If you want to lower your water’s pH, use a water softener.
Iron
Iron is another element that can give your water a metallic taste. It occurs naturally in some areas, but if you live near a mine, you may find iron in your tap water.
You can test your water’s iron levels by adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt to a glass of water and letting it sit overnight.
If the next morning, the salt has dissolved into the water, then your water contains iron.
Chlorine
Chlorine can also contribute to the metallic flavor in your water. If you notice that your water tastes like chlorine, try using a filter instead of relying solely on bottled water.
Carbonates
Carbonate ions (CO3) occur naturally in many types of water. However, if you have carbonated drinks in your refrigerator, these ions could end up in your tap water.
Fluoride
Fluoride is added to drinking water to help protect against tooth decay. Some people believe that fluoride causes a metallic taste in their water.
However, the amount of fluoride in your water is very small and does not affect the taste of your water.
Other Elements
Many other elements can cause your water to taste metallic.
These include arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium, mercury, aluminum, manganese, zinc, nickel, silver, bromide, and selenite.
Salt
If you live in a coastal area where seawater is used to supply your home, you may notice a salty taste in your water.
Minerals
Minerals can also create a metallic taste in your water. For example, chlorides and sulfates can impart a bitter taste, while sodium and potassium can give your water a salty flavor.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs are organic compounds that evaporate easily.
They are commonly found in household products including cleaning supplies, air fresheners, paints, varnishes, adhesives, solvents, and pesticides.
Many of these chemicals are known carcinogens.
Microorganisms
Certain microorganisms can produce sulfur-containing metabolites that result in a metallic taste.
Nitrates
Nitrate ions (NO3) can be present in groundwater. In addition to causing discoloration, nitrates can result in a metallic taste in your drinking water.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) is produced when bacteria break down sulfur-containing molecules in the environment.
The presence of H2S in water can cause a rotten egg smell, and impact your water.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide gas (SO2) is released from burning fossil fuels or coal.
This chemical compound can cause a foul odor, as well as an unpleasant taste in your water. It’s also harmful to humans.
Radon Gas
Radon gas (Rn) is a radioactive noble gaseous element that occurs naturally in soil and rock.
When radon enters our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption, it collects in the lungs.
Once there, it stays for about 2 weeks before being exhaled. Drinking water is one route by which radon enters our system.
There are a number of potentially harmful contaminants that can have a negative impact on water quality, and we will now explore the best solutions to help get your water source back to normal.
How Do You Get Rid of Metallic Water Taste/Smell?
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to eliminate an unwanted taste or smell of metal from your water, and some of the most effective options include:
Water Filter
The easiest way to remove unwanted particles from your water is with a good quality water filtration system. A reverse osmosis system will remove all contaminants from your water, leaving only pure H20.
Read More: Best Well Water Filter System You Can Buy Right Now
Distillation
Another option for removing metals from your water is distillation. This process involves heating your water until the minerals separate out as a vapor.
The vapor is condensed back into liquid form, which is free of any impurities.
Ion Exchange Resin
An ion exchange resin is a substance that attracts certain ions in a solution. When the resin becomes saturated, it needs to be regenerated.
This can be done by exposing the resin to a strong acid, allowing the resin to pick up the desired ions. Once the resin has been regenerated, it can then be reused.
Reverse Osmosis System
A reverse osmosis unit uses pressure to force water through a membrane. As long as the membrane remains clean and functional, this method produces extremely high-quality water.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters use activated carbon to absorb various chemicals such as chlorine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds.
Activated carbon is a porous material that absorbs pollutants. It works best when placed at the end of a water line.
Purification Tablets
Some purification tablets contain active ingredients that help reduce the amount of harmful substances in your water.
Softening Agents
One of the simplest ways to soften hard water is to add a softener to your home’s water supply. There are two types of softeners: chemical and mechanical.
Chemical softeners work by adding calcium or magnesium ions to the water. Mechanical softeners rely on sand or other materials to pull dissolved minerals out of the water.
Dechlorination Systems
Chlorine is used to disinfect municipal water systems. However, if not removed properly, it may leave behind residual amounts of chloramines.
These are more stable than chlorine and they can cause a metallic taste. To prevent them from building up, a dechlorination system should be installed.
Iron Removal Systems
Iron naturally occurs in many waters. If iron levels become too high, it can lead to health problems. For example, excessive iron in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal issues like ulcers.
To remove excess iron, install an iron removal system.
Final Thoughts
Discovering that your well water smells of metal can be a worry, but there are steps that you can take to help resolve the situation, and get your water back to normal.
By following one of the methods we have outlined above, you can get back to enjoying fresh, clean water for longer, and improve the quality of your water supply.
