Throughout the Texas Hill Country, strange tastes and smells in tap water are becoming all too familiar. Unusual flavors and off-putting odors can make you second-guess the quality of the water in your own home. These issues aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can impact your daily life and well-being.
At 72 Degrees Texas, we understand the frustration of dealing with water that doesn’t meet your expectations. We’re dedicated to helping homeowners identify the causes behind these water quality problems and providing professional solutions. Trust our expertise to restore confidence in every sip you take and every drop you use around your home.
4 Common Water Taste and Smell Issues in Texas
1. Chlorine Taste or Smell
When water has a chlorine-like taste or smells like a swimming pool, high chlorine levels are likely the culprit. Municipal water systems frequently use chlorine to disinfect and kill bacteria, but it often leaves behind an unpleasant taste or smell.
This isn’t just about the flavor. Chlorine can dry out skin and hair, especially when used in showers or baths. Over time, it can also damage rubber components in appliances, like seals and hoses, which may lead to costly repairs. If chlorine is affecting your water quality, consider exploring solutions to reduce its presence in your home.
2. Metallic or Bitter Taste
A metallic or bitter taste in water often points to minerals like iron or copper. These minerals can seep into water through aging pipes or corroding infrastructure, which is common in older areas or homes with outdated plumbing.
This issue isn’t just a minor annoyance. High mineral levels can stain plumbing fixtures, discolor laundry, and leave an unpleasant aftertaste in food or drinks prepared with the water. If your water has this metallic or bitter flavor, it’s worth looking into the condition of your plumbing system and water source.
3. Rotten Egg Smell (Sulfur)
A rotten egg smell in water usually comes from hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is produced when sulfur bacteria feed on organic material in the water. While more common in well systems, it can also appear in municipal supplies, especially when groundwater sources are involved.
The smell can make daily activities—like drinking, cooking, or washing dishes—unpleasant. Additionally, hydrogen sulfide can tarnish silverware, discolor plumbing fixtures, and negatively impact overall water quality. If you’ve been avoiding your tap water because of this odor, there are targeted solutions to fix the problem.
4. Salty or Brackish Taste
A salty or brackish taste often indicates elevated levels of sodium or chloride in the water. This can occur naturally from salt deposits in groundwater or from malfunctioning water softeners releasing excess sodium into the supply.
This isn’t just a flavor concern—it can also have health implications. For those on low-sodium diets, high levels of sodium in drinking water can be problematic. Additionally, salty water can impact the taste of food and beverages, making it a frustrating issue for many households.
How Strange Water Affects Your Home and Health
When water tastes or smells off, the impact often extends beyond drinking. Contaminants can corrode plumbing fixtures, damage rubber components in appliances, and lead to buildup inside water heaters or dishwashers. Over time, these problems can result in expensive repairs or replacements for household systems.
Chlorine, minerals, and other impurities can also cause skin and hair issues. Chlorine exposure often results in dryness or irritation, while mineral-heavy water can leave a stubborn residue behind. These issues don’t stop at drinking water—they can affect bathing, laundry, and other daily activities.
To identify what may be causing changes in your water, you can check local contaminant reports from the Environmental Working Group here. A professional solution tailored to your home can make a significant difference.
Professional Solutions to Improve Water Quality
Water Filtration Systems
Whole-home water filtration systems address contaminants like chlorine, iron, and sulfur, which can cause unpleasant tastes and odors. These systems treat water at its source, ensuring every tap delivers cleaner, better-tasting water. Whether you’re cooking, drinking, or bathing, filtration systems provide consistent, reliable quality.
Water Softeners
For homes with hard water, water softeners offer effective solutions. Softeners remove excess minerals like calcium and magnesium, which cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. Softened water is easier on plumbing, extends the life of water-based systems, and feels noticeably better on skin and hair.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for anyone seeking high-quality drinking water directly from the tap. These systems efficiently remove impurities, including heavy metals, sodium, and chlorine, leaving water that’s fresh, clean, and free from strange tastes. Reverse osmosis systems can be installed under a sink or integrated into the entire home’s water supply.
Why DIY Fixes Might Not Be Enough
Although store-bought filters or DIY methods might seem like quick fixes, they usually don’t solve deeper water quality problems. For example, pitcher filters only treat water at a single tap and aren’t equipped to handle complex issues like hydrogen sulfide or high sodium levels.
Improper installation of filtration systems can also result in leaks or incomplete treatment, leaving water quality issues unresolved. A professional assessment ensures the right solution is installed and tailored to your home’s specific needs.
Restore Confidence in Your Water with 72 Degrees Texas
Dealing with strange tastes or odors in your water can be frustrating—and you shouldn’t have to second-guess the water you use every day. At 72 Degrees Texas, we’re here to help you enjoy cleaner, safer water with solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs.
Whether it’s a whole-home filtration system, water softener, or reverse osmosis solution, we have the expertise to pinpoint the cause of your water quality issues and provide the best fix. Serving the Texas Hill Country since 1986, our team is committed to delivering reliable service and high-quality products that make a difference in your home.
For added protection and peace of mind, consider joining our Home Comfort Club—with regular tune-ups, priority service, and savings on repairs, we take care of the hard work so you don’t have to.
Schedule your water quality assessment today! Have questions? Call 72 Degrees Texas now.
