Why Does My Water Taste Metallic?

There's nothing better than an ice-cold glass of water to refresh and hydrate you. But when that water tastes weird — almost like licking a piece of metal — it’s not as pleasurable.

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Metallic-tasting water isn't uncommon, and it's rarely harmful, but no one wants to drink it. There can be a number of reasons for metallic-tasting water, so it's important to understand what’s causing it. Learn some common reasons why your water tastes like metal and what you can do to fix it.

Why Does My Water Taste Like Metal?

A metallic taste is generally caused by something in the water, such as trace elements or contaminants. On some occasions, it can be caused by water acidity levels.

Metals in the Water

Metals in the water are a likely cause of a metallic taste. The most common metal found in water is iron, which can leave a tangy taste in the mouth. Other metals found in water include manganese, lead, zinc and copper.

Often metals come into water from the source. As all these metals exist on the Earth’s surface, microscopic traces can leach into water as it makes its way to faucets.

However, metals can also come from pipes. Older houses with aging plumbing often have pipes made from copper or lead. As the pipes age, they corrode and leak metals into the water system.

Chemicals for Safety

Depending on your water source, utility companies may have to add chemicals to the water to make it safe to drink. Water from wells, lakes and other sources can be contaminated with germs such as salmonella and norovirus. Chlorine and chloramine are the most commonly used disinfectants in U.S. public water systems, although others can be used. Some of these chemicals can change the taste of the water. In particular, high levels of chlorine can react with metal in plumbing systems, leading to a metallic taste. The CDC produces a consumer confidence report that can help you find out which chemicals are used in your water. 

Low pH Levels

One reason for a metallic taste that isn't caused by what's in the water is the pH level. Low pH water is also known as soft water and can have a sour, acidic taste that's often described as metallic.

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Are There Any Health Concerns If My Water Tastes Metallic?

Most causes of metallic-tasting water aren't harmful. However, there are some contaminants that can cause issues, the most dangerous of which is lead. There are an estimated 9.2 million lead service lines throughout the United States, and drinking water with high levels of lead can cause problems with your bones, blood, kidneys and more. 

Although it's unlikely your tinny-tasting water is causing you harm, it's best to have the quality tested so you can be sure. You can buy water testing kits from hardware stores, though many utility companies and local governments provide free testing kits for residents.

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How Do You Fix Metal-Tasting Water?

Once you're sure there's nothing harmful in your water, you can start fixing the problem.

Determine if the taste is coming from one faucet or all of them. If it's only one faucet, it's likely metals are leaking from old faucets or parts. Replacing the faucet, or even a worn-out washer, could fix the problem.

If water tastes metallic from every faucet, the problem is likely with pipes leading to your house or the water source. Running the faucets for a few minutes can flush out the system and get rid of the metallic taste. However, this is often not an easy solution, especially if you need to do it every morning.

Boiling drinking water can often get rid of the taste, as it removes excess chlorine. After boiling, cool the water, then store it in the fridge. Water filters can perform a similar function. Options include filters in jugs, those attached to an individual faucet or those designed to filter the entire water supply. 

If nothing is working or you want a more permanent solution, call a plumber or your local water company for professional advice.