Why Does My Water Smell and Taste Like Metal?
15th Jul 2025
You pour yourself a glass of water expecting it to be clean and refreshing, then you take a sip and taste metal. That metallic tang isn’t just unpleasant, it’s unsettling. You start asking, “Why does my water taste like metal all of a sudden?” or “Is this even safe to drink?”
Good questions—and you’re not the only one asking them.
Let’s dig into what causes metallic-tasting water, what it means for your health, and how to fix the problem so you can get back to drinking water that tastes like, well, water.
What Causes Water to Taste Metallic?
There are a few key reasons why your water tastes like metal, and they usually come down to one of three things: your pipes, your water source, or your water’s pH.
1. Metal in Your Plumbing
If your home has older pipes—especially made of iron, copper, or galvanized steel—they could be breaking down and leaching trace metals into your water. That means every time you turn on the tap, you could be pulling small amounts of those metals right into your glass.
And it’s not just old homes that are at risk. Newer homes with fresh copper or brass plumbing can also cause a metallic taste in water until a protective coating (called “scaling”) builds up inside the pipes over time.
2. High Levels of Metals in Your Water Supply
Even if your plumbing is in good shape, your water source could still be the culprit. Well water is especially prone to higher levels of iron, manganese, and other minerals because it’s pulled straight from underground sources where these metals naturally occur.
City water isn’t off the hook either. If your municipal supply uses older delivery systems or has high mineral content, you might still notice your water tastes metallic, especially if the treatment process doesn’t remove everything.
3. Low pH (Acidic Water)
If you’ve ever noticed that your water not only tastes like metal but also has a slightly sour or sharp edge to it, pH could be the issue. Water with a pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, and acidic water can corrode pipes and dissolve metals—especially copper and lead—right into your tap water.
Is Metallic-Tasting Water Safe to Drink?
The answer depends on what is causing the taste.
- Iron and zinc: Often harmless in small amounts, but can leave stains or affect water clarity.
- Copper: Too much can lead to stomach upset, liver, or kidney issues with long-term exposure.
- Lead: This one’s serious. Lead in water is toxic, especially for children, and can cause developmental and neurological damage. Even small amounts over time are harmful.
So if you're thinking, "Why does my water taste metallic?", it’s worth checking, because while some minerals are benign, others are anything but.
Why Does My Water Taste Like Metal All of a Sudden?
If you’ve lived in your home for a while and only recently noticed the metallic flavor, here are a few things to consider:
- Changes in water source or treatment: Cities sometimes switch water sources or adjust how they treat water. These changes can stir up minerals or alter the pH.
- Pipe corrosion: Over time, aging pipes can start breaking down. If your water suddenly smells or tastes like metal, it could be an early sign.
- Seasonal shifts: During dry spells or after heavy rain, mineral levels in well water or city water may fluctuate.
- Localized plumbing issues: If only one faucet has the problem, the issue might be right there in the fixture or the nearby pipe.
Bottom line? Sudden changes in taste aren’t normal. If your water tastes metallic all of a sudden, it's worth taking seriously.
Look Out For These Health Risks
Drinking water with trace metals for a day or two usually isn’t dangerous, but long-term exposure is another story.
Potential health concerns include:
- Lead poisoning: Especially harmful for children and pregnant women
- Copper toxicity: Can lead to nausea, abdominal pain, and liver damage
- Acidic water effects: Tooth enamel erosion, digestive discomfort, and higher risk of heavy metal exposure
If you’re experiencing any symptoms—or if you’re just unsure—it’s best to get your water tested as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of the Metallic Taste in Water
The good news? You don’t have to live with water that tastes like a mouthful of spare change.
Here are some ways to fix it:
1. Get Your Water Tested
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what’s in your water. Local labs or DIY kits can test for metals, pH levels, and more. This is especially important if you’re using well water or live in an older home.
2. Upgrade Your Filtration or Softening System
Depending on your results, a good filtration system can go a long way. That’s where NuvoH2O comes in.
Our salt-free water softeners and whole home systems help:
- Reduce buildup from iron, copper, and other minerals
- Prevent corrosion by maintaining a balanced pH
- Filter out contaminants that affect taste and odor
- Improve the quality of your water from every faucet
3. Check Your Plumbing
If only one faucet has the issue, it might be time to replace that fixture. If your home has very old plumbing, especially with lead or copper pipes, a professional inspection is a smart next step.
Water Shouldn’t Taste or Smell Like This
A metallic smell or taste is your water telling you something’s off. If you’ve been wondering:
- Why does water taste metallic?
- Why does my water taste like metal all of a sudden?
- Why does my water smell and taste off?
It’s time to stop guessing and take action.
Whether it’s trace metals, pH imbalance, or outdated plumbing, the first step is identifying the source. The next step? Fix it with the right system.
At NuvoH2O, we help families get cleaner, better-tasting water without the salt, stress, or guesswork.
Check out our systems to see how we can help make your water taste the way it should: fresh, clean, and worry-free.
