The taste of your water

My water tastes odd, what do I do?
Customers occasionally report taste and odour issues, there could be several causes for a change in the taste. If you get a sudden or unusual change in the taste or smell of your drinking water then you should contact us on us on 0800 389 1011 so that we can investigate.

Why does my water sometimes taste earthy?
Earthy tastes can sometimes occur in water supplied from a surface water source such as a reservoir. It may also occur if the water has been standing in the pipe work for a long period of time. These tastes pose no risk to health.

How can I reduce the earthy taste in my water supply?
If you have been away from your home for a long period of time, flushing your taps for two to three minutes should help improve the taste of your water.

What causes metallic or medicinal tastes in the water supply?
Metallic or medicinal tastes can be caused as a result of a reaction between the water and the copper pipework in your plumbing system. The taste may be particularly noticeable after the water has been standing in the pipework for some hours. Back syphonage from hoses and fittings associated with washing machines and dishwashers can also result in a medicinal taste to the supply.

How can I reduce the metallic or medicinal taste in my water supply?
Flushing the tap to waste for a minute or two prior to using the water for drinking or cooking can usually alleviate the problem. Boiling the water more that once can make any tastes more apparent, so it is advisable to use fresh water each time you boil the kettle. Also isolating appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers for a period, may also help to establish if they are contributing to the problem.

How can I determine the cause of a metallic or medicinal taste problem?
There are a number ways that can help you to establish the cause of the problem. Run the tap for a minute or two, before using the water for drinking or cooking to see if this makes a difference to the taste. If the taste is only apparent after the water is boiled, the kettle may be the cause. This can be confirmed by boiling a sample of water in a saucepan or in a cup in a microwave. If no taste is apparent, it suggests the kettle is the problem. You can also check with your neighbours to see if they are experiencing the same problem. If they aren't then the most probable source of the problem will lie within your property as the same water is supplied to all properties in the road.

Why is chlorine added to my water supply?
Chlorine is added during water treatment to maintain the water's bacteriological quality during its journey to your tap, ensuring that it is safe to drink. The very low concentrations of chlorine involved in this process are entirely harmless and continually monitored to ensure that the quality of water is maintained.

Why does the water appear to have more chlorine in it at certain times of the day and not others?
Over a period of time, the concentration of chlorine in the water will reduce. At certain times of the day, such as first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon, more water is used. This can mean that the water may exhibit a slight chlorinous taste or odour because the water is reaching you quicker and therefore has more chlorine in than when it has been standing in the pipes for longer.

How can I reduce the levels of chlorine in my water supply?
A good solution is to store tap water in the refrigerator over night as this will reduce the chlorine taste and odour. It is recommended that the water is not stored for longer than 24 hours as the quality of the water may deteriorate over time.
For more information about chlorine in water, download a copy of Keeping Your Water Safe

Downloads