Why does my filtered water smell fishy?
Why does my filtered water smell fishy?
If you've ever taken a sip of your filtered water and gotten a whiff of something fishy, you're not alone. This is a common problem with home filtration systems, and there are a few possible explanations. The most likely culprit is bacteria build-up in the filter itself. When water isn't flowing through the filter regularly, bacteria can start to grow. Another possibility is that your water source is contaminated with algae or other organisms that can give it a fishy smell.
Odors of Earth or Fish If the issue is in the drain, the tap water in the glass should be odorless. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by half a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes before adding hot tap water.
Chlorine is the most commonly used oxidant for removing odor from water, but it is only moderately effective. Both oxygen and potassium permanganate are only marginally effective water treatment agents. By far the most effective in removing odor from water are oxidizers such as ozone and chlorine dioxide.
If this seems nonsensical, don't panic; it makes sense and there is a solution. The ions employed by ZeroWater's water filters occasionally emit trimethylamine, an organic molecule that smells like rotten fish, due to a chemical process known as ion exchange technology.
Chloramine, a chlorine and ammonia compound, is frequently employed to kill waterborne germs, but if there are still excessive levels by the time it reaches your faucet, it can give water a fishy odor.
Potential Hydrogen Sulfide Issues Water with a strong rotten egg stench, while very unpleasant, is usually quite safe to drink. However, in rare cases, the stench may be generated by sewage or other contaminants in a building's water supply, which could lead to health issues.
Depending on the stench, there are a few typical reasons of smelly water. Sulfur (sometimes known as "rotten egg stench"), sewage, and chlorine bleach are common aromas created by naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria and chemicals that collect in wells, water heaters, pipelines, and sinks.
What is the source of the fishy odor in my drain? If your kitchen or bathroom smells like fish, despite the fact that there are no fish in the neighborhood, it could be a sign of a sewer gas leak, poor water quality, or an electrical failure.
Brita filters are an excellent option for improving the flavor and odor of your drinking water. If you see dark areas of mold in your filter, it's a sign that it's been polluted.
The sulfur smell in one faucet can be caused by bacteria in the water heater, bacteria in the water supply, or bacteria in the drainage. If it's the latter, you're more likely to notice this odor when you're near a specific faucet.
The presence of naturally occurring, organic material in the water source is most likely the source of an unusual or fishy odor. Metal barium appears in mineral ores and can leach into wells and pipes.
If your water smells like rotten eggs, hydrogen sulfide gas is most likely present. This could be due to a water heater issue or naturally occurring sulfur bacteria, particularly in well water. These problems can generate hydrogen sulfide, which emits an unpleasant odor wherever it goes.
Mycobacterium marinum is a free-living bacteria found in non-chlorinated water, such as that found in home aquariums. This bacteria has been linked to opportunistic infections in people, including an uncommon condition known as aquarium granuloma.
A musty, fishy, or earthy odor in your tap water is most often the result of an algal bloom. Geosmin, or algal bloom, happens when algae develop in a city's water supply source.
If you notice a strong taste or odor, get help from your local health department or water utility. Sulfur odor, sometimes known as rotten egg odor: Bacteria might generate odors in your sink drain or hot water heater. This stench could also be caused by naturally occurring hydrogen sulfide in your water source.
Showering in sulfur water is completely safe. This will not jeopardize your health or well-being. However, the presence of sulfur water in your plumbing system may cause it to rust or corrode over time. Particularly if the sulfur water contains a significant concentration of hydrogen sulfide.