What does it mean when your house tap water has a musty taste to it?

Question

It doesn't always taste this way, just in the last couple of days. What's that all about?

Answer 1

In Florida, this usually means that there is an algae bloom at the reservoir and the water dept. can do nothing about it--the normal water treatment has no effect on this phenomenon.

Your area might be experiencing the same type of situation. It will eventually clear up. In the meantime, drink bottled water, get a water filter (faucet, in-line filter for refrigerator), and/or add a few drops of lemon juice to your drinking water. Although we experience this several times of year, the water is safe to use.

Answer 2

It means it's time to get the water tested. Most municipalities have a place where you can get the water tested, regardless of whether it is "city water" or well water. They can also help you figure out how to treat the water.

In the meantime, you might consider boiling all drinking and cooking water, and rinse water (when washing dishes, if you don't have a dishwasher). And possibly filtering the cooled, boiled water. When you know what the problem is, you can figure out if you need to keep boiling the water or not.

We had well problems several years ago, and finally had to switch over to city water -- but in the meantime, they helped us find a way to add chlorine to our well water.

Answer 3

If you have well water, you may be picking up some contamination. If you have municipal water, contact your water authority. In either case, have the water tested. Bad taste could mean a potential health hazard.

Answer 4

If you have a well you may have to have the well cleaned and the screen changed, maybe the pipes are bad if they're iron.
If it's a municipal water then contact the village or town water well company.

Answer 5

Can be as simple as changing the Anode in your water heater. Often sulfur can taint the taste too.