Why Does My Water Taste Rusty?

Turning on the kitchen sink to tackle a load of dishes only to be met with a stream of rusty, orange water can be alarming to say the least.

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What Are Some Reasons for Rusty or Metallic-Tasting Water?

If you think your drinking water tastes rusty, it probably has a metallic flavor. This is a sign that your water contains metals either coming from the water pipes in your home or from the service pipes in your town or city. Many water pipes, especially older ones, are made from metals like iron, copper and steel, and these can corrode over time, causing these metals to get into your drinking water. If the water is especially acidic (with a pH below 7), this can cause pipes to corrode even faster, contributing to metallic-tasting water.

The type of metallic taste you're picking up might indicate which metal is leaching into the water. Water with iron can taste slightly bitter, sort of like blood, and copper might have a slightly bitter or sweet flavor. These metals aren't harmful in small doses, but it's possible for them to accumulate over time and cause health problems. Other metals that may leach into water include zinc and manganese.

If you're concerned about the taste of your water, you can consult with a plumber or your local water department to find out what might be causing it and whether it might be worthwhile to replace some of the pipes in your home.

High Levels of Iron

High levels of iron in drinking water can cause it to taste metallic. Again, this can come from iron pipes in older homes and is common with well water.

How to Fix Water that Tastes Like Metal

A water filter is the most common way to get the metallic taste out of your drinking water. If you live in an older home, it might be helpful to see what type of pipes you have so you can choose the best filter for the job. But in general, all water filters are designed to purify water from common metals and other impurities.

A carbon water filter can be attached to a sink faucet and used at the source, and other carbon filters are used within portable pitchers, so you can fill the pitcher and allow the water to strain through the filter in the pitcher.

Reverse osmosis filters are also available, and these can be installed by a professional at the sink in your kitchen, for instance, or larger, whole house systems can be installed at the point where water enters your home. This ensures all the water you use to flush toilets, shower and wash your face is also treated in addition to water you drink from the sink.

Hard Water and Soft Water

If your water contains high levels of minerals, it might also taste metallic or rusty. Hard water usually refers to calcium and magnesium specifically, but hard water can also contain other metals like iron and zinc.

Water can be tested by professionals for mineral levels, and water softening systems can be installed. These systems remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from drinking water and exchange them for sodium or potassium. These systems are installed by professionals, typically at the point where water comes into your home.

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Water That Looks Rusty

Sometimes clear water can taste rusty, but occasionally, your water may look rusty as well. It's not always a cause for alarm, though. For example, in many cities and towns, fire hydrants are flushed once a year, and this can cause water to appear rusty temporarily. Usually, towns or cities will warn you in advance of it happening, and it just means you may need to switch to drinking bottled water until it comes back to normal. You may also just need to run the water for a little bit longer than usual until it runs clear.

Consult With a Professional

As with many issues related to your home, if you're ever concerned about your water tasting rusty or metallic, consult a plumber or your community's water department to get help with troubleshooting.