Why in Nashville does the water taste metallic?

 

Understanding the Metallic Taste in Your Water

  When you notice that the water in Nashville tastes metallic, it can feel confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with plumbing. In very simple terms, a metallic taste means that tiny amounts of metal are mixing with the water you drink. This often happens because parts of the water plumbing system are made of metal, and over time they can release small particles into the water. Metals such as iron or copper are common in plumbing systems and sometimes they can add a taste that reminds you of metal.

 

Why Does This Happen?

  There are a few reasons why water might taste metallic, and here’s a breakdown in very simple language:

• Corrosion in Pipes: Over time, the metal pipes that transport water can slowly break down through a process called corrosion. Corrosion happens when metal reacts with water, especially if the water has a slightly acidic quality. This reaction causes tiny amounts of metal to peel off into the water, giving it a metallic flavor.
• Water Chemistry Changes: Water is not just "water" – it carries minerals and has a pH level. The pH level tells us if the water is a bit acidic or basic. When water is slightly acidic, it tends to react more with metal surfaces, allowing metals like copper and iron to leach out. This is why even small shifts in the water’s balance can alter its taste.
• Old Plumbing Systems: In some older homes or buildings, the pipes are very old or made from materials that are more vulnerable to corrosion. With time, these pipes can release more metal into the water. This is a common cause for a metallic taste, especially in buildings that haven’t had their plumbing updated in a long time.
• Water Treatment Practices: Municipal water systems sometimes add chemicals to ensure the water is safe to drink. These chemicals can interact with the metal in pipes. In some cases, when the balance of these chemicals isn’t just right or when the pipes are old, the reaction can lead to extra metal in the water, which changes its flavor.

 

Practical Steps to Understand and Address the Problem

  If you experience a metallic taste, there are a few straightforward steps that can help you understand or even reduce the issue:

• Let the Water Run: Sometimes, if water has been sitting in a metal pipe for a while, it picks up extra metal. Running the water for a few moments can help flush out the buildup.
• Check the Source: Consider if the taste happens with all water in your building or just from certain taps. If it is isolated, the problem may be with a single pipe or faucet.
• Consider Testing the Water: You might have the water tested for metal content. This is done by taking a small sample to a laboratory. That way, you get simple numbers showing if there’s too much iron, copper, or other metals. Many local services can help with this.
• Review the Plumbing System: If your home or business has an older plumbing system, it may help to get it checked by a professional. For example, in cities like St. Louis and Nashville, many buildings have older pipes that need regular maintenance or replacement to avoid issues like metallic-tasting water.

Understanding these steps and causes should give you a deeper idea of why your water might taste metallic. Over time, taking these precautions and possibly updating parts of the plumbing can help ensure your water tastes clean and fresh.