Why Does My Tap Water Taste Funny?
No one wants to drink tap water with a bitter or metallic taste. Have you ever wondered about the reasons why tap water tastes funny? Here, we will explore common causes for bad-tasting tap water, as well as solutions for improving its taste and safety so that you don’t have to resort to buying bottled water every time you’re thirsty.
Reasons Tap Water Tastes Weird
Tap water is often a source of contention. It can taste bad, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth. While the cause of this off-putting flavor may vary depending on where you live, several common contributors could be the culprit.
Minerals or Chemicals in the Water
If your tap water has a metallic taste, it’s most likely caused by minerals or chemicals in the water. Many areas have high levels of copper, iron, or lead in their water. Mineral and chemical build-up may also cause cloudy tap water. Investing in a water filtration system may help reduce the number of contaminants and potentially improve the taste of your water.
High Levels of Salt in the Water
Sometimes, tap water can have a salty taste. While this is more common in areas near the ocean, salty-tasting water can sometimes be caused because the water has been sitting in old pipes for too long. The main way to get the salt out of the water is to filter it with a water filtration system or water filter for your fridge.
Algae or Bacteria in the Water
You may find algae or bacteria in your water if your tap water tastes earthy or smells like rotten eggs. This is more common in homes that use water from a well because the water sits idle for longer periods. The “rotten egg” smell is due to sulfur compounds naturally occurring in the water. Solutions include a reverse osmosis system, purchasing bottled water, or investing in a water filtration system.
Acidity or pH Imbalance
Tap water typically has a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5, with 7 being neutral on the pH scale. Water with a low pH (meaning it is more acidic) can have a sour or metallic taste, while water that is too high on the pH scale can have a bitter taste. This imbalance can be caused by industrial runoff, natural sources such as decaying vegetation, and other environmental factors. Installing an ion exchange filter will help balance the pH levels while removing unwanted minerals like iron and calcium for improved flavor.
Excess Chlorine in the Water
Chlorine is one of the most common additives used to treat tap water. It is added to disinfect the water and kill off any bacteria or other contaminants, making it safe to drink. Unfortunately, some people find that the added chlorine can give their drinking water a strange taste or odor. Luckily, water filtration systems remove added chlorine, giving your cleaner, better-tasting water daily.
Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas tap water is safe to drink and meets all safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Tap water in Las Vegas undergoes a rigorous filtration process that removes contaminants such as chlorine, bacteria, and other pollutants. This ensures that the water in Las Vegas is free from harmful impurities and tastes as good as possible.
However, it’s still tap water and may not taste as pure as you’d prefer. If that’s the case, a good quality filtration system will give you peace of mind knowing that all the water passing through it is clean and free of any contaminants.
How a Water Filtration System Can Help
Water filtration systems work by removing harmful contaminants such as chlorine, bacteria, heavy metals, and other pollutants from your water supply. This process not only makes your water safer to drink but also helps improve the taste of your water.
If you’re looking to have a water filtration system installed in the Las Vegas area, Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing has a reliable team of certified plumbing professionals to install and maintain your water filtration system. Whether you want to improve your water taste or lower the pH levels in your water, Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing is dedicated to getting the job done with utmost quality, care, and reliability.
Contact Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to schedule your appointment!
