Why Does My Water Smell?
You turn on the faucet for a glass of water, raise the cup to drink, and are greeted by an unpleasant odor. This is the reality for many people. Smells of rotten eggs and chlorine are common complaints. Let’s look at why your water smells bad and what you can do about it.
Why Does Your Tap Water Stink?
Many things can cause your water to have a noticeable and unpleasant odor, but not all are dangerous.
Rotten Egg Smell
A rotten egg or sulfur odor in tap water is typically caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can naturally occur in groundwater due to decaying organic matter or bacteria in the plumbing or water heater. It’s also common in well water and areas with high soil sulfur levels.
Chlorine Odor
Another common complaint about most tap water is the smell of chlorine. Municipal water providers use chlorine to disinfect the water. This is normal and safe, but excessive levels can cause a strong odor and unpleasant taste. The U.S. EPA limits the amount of chlorine in drinking water, and water suppliers must test the water regularly and provide the results to customers. If you’re concerned about the chlorine levels in your tap water, ask your water provider for their recent test results.
Metallic Odor
Water that smells like metal is typically caused by dissolved metals like iron, manganese, or copper. This can result from corroded pipes or natural minerals in the water.
Musty or Earthy Smell
Musty or earthy odors are often due to decaying organic matter in the water’s source. Algae, bacteria, or buildup in the pipes can also contribute to this smell.
Fishy or Chemical Odors
A fishy or chemical smell can be caused by organic compounds, like ammonia or environmental pollutants. These often come from the water’s source, especially if there’s an agricultural or industrial facility nearby.
What to Do About Smelly Water
Most water odor problems are easily solved. The first step is to identify the source of the problem, whether it’s in your plumbing system or in the main water supply. Fill a glass with water, step away from the faucet, and smell it. If the odor fades after a few minutes, the issue is likely within your plumbing. If it persists, it could be an issue with the water supply.
Sometimes, smelly water can result from stagnant water in the pipes. Run the faucet for a few minutes to flush out the “old” water and then smell. If the water smells neutral, it’s likely a temporary buildup instead of a more significant problem.
Another thing to check is your water heater. Anaerobic bacteria can thrive in a hot water tank that has not been maintained. If the odor comes from the hot water side of your plumbing, it could be the water heater that needs flushing.
If you’ve tried everything, but your water still smells funky, consider using a water filter. Carbon filters are effective at removing odors and organic compounds and come in countertop and whole-home units.
If you have a private well, odors could indicate bacteria or organic matter in the water. Shock chlorination — disinfecting the well water with chlorine — can eliminate bacterial contamination.
Lastly, old, corroded metal pipes can release metals into the water, affecting its taste and odor. Replacing your old pipes with modern materials like PEX or PVC can solve the problem and improve your water’s overall safety.
Smelly tap water isn’t just unpleasant — it can indicate underlying water supply or plumbing system issues. If you’re concerned about the smell or safety of your tap water, call Tri-Florida Water Treatment for an in-home water test. We have over 30 years of experience and sell and service a wide range of water treatment systems to ensure you and your family get the cleanest, healthiest, and best-tasting water possible.