Is Metallic-Tasting Water Bad for You?

It can be disconcerting when your usual drinking water has a strange taste. One of the most common taste complaints about drinking water is that it tastes metallic. The most common explanation for your water tasting metallic is high iron levels. The presence of other metals like copper, zinc, lead, and manganese could also contribute to the metallic taste. Low pH levels or water that flows through aging pipes could also be the cause of metallic-tasting water.

What Are the Risks of Drinking Water With a Metallic Taste?

The risks are entirely dependent on the cause of the metallic taste. For example, if the cause behind the metallic taste is iron, there aren’t many negative health effects. However, lead and zinc could cause serious health problems, like hypertension, anemia, and convulsions. High levels of copper can cause kidney disease, liver damage, and diarrhea. Water with a low pH is also not very beneficial for human health and could cause health issues. If you have metallic or bitter water, it would be best to have your water tested to determine the root of the issue.

How Do You Eliminate Your Water’s Metallic Taste?

The best way to remove the metallic taste from tap water is to install a filtration system in your home. This filtration system is installed at the point of entry, improving the taste of water from every tap. There are also filters on the market that can remove the minerals causing the taste. Reverse osmosis systems filter out lead and iron, and ionized water filters raise the pH level of the water.