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Odor and taste of water

This article explores the organoleptic properties of water, focusing on taste and odor, which are essential for both aesthetic and safety aspects. It delves into the causes of unpleasant water odors, such as rotten, fishy, or earthy smells, often caused by natural organic compounds like geosmin. The article also discusses unusual tastes in water, such as salty, metallic, and alkaline flavors, providing solutions for their removal through various filtration methods like reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters. A detailed classification table is included to help identify the sources of these tastes and odors.

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DISTRIBUIȚI ACESTA

Organoleptic properties of water include indicators such as odor, taste (flavor), turbidity, and color. In this material, we will discuss taste and odor. In addition to being critical for aesthetic aspects, they can indirectly indicate the presence of certain contaminants in the water. Odors and flavors in water are signs of the presence of specific substances, such as dissolved salts and various chemical and organic compounds. It is important to note that these parameters are evaluated using a five-point scale, as detailed in the table below.

It is worth noting that the evaluation of odors is conducted for water of any origin. For water that is known to be contaminated with harmful impurities, such an assessment is not performed.

Assessment of water odors and flavors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
ScoreOdor and Flavor IntensityDescription of Intensity
0NoneAbsence of any detectable odor or flavor.
1Very WeakOdor or flavor that is undetectable by the consumer but identified in the laboratory by an experienced analyst.
2WeakOdor or flavor that does not attract the consumer's attention but can be detected if noticed.
3NoticeableOdor or flavor that is easily noticeable and may cause a negative perception of the water.
4ClearOdor or flavor that draws attention and makes the water unpleasant to drink.
5Very StrongOdor or flavor that is so strong that it renders the water unsuitable for drinking.

Why Does Water Have an Unpleasant Odor and How to Deal with It?

Rotten, Fishy, or Earthy Odor

This odor is most commonly found in water from open water sources. It is caused by the presence of natural organic compounds in the water, such as geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. These compounds are generally safe for humans, although they can sometimes be related to the presence of blue-green algae and bacteria in the water. The concentration of these compounds is highest during algal blooms.

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption); for drinking water - household reverse osmosis.

Chlorine Odor
This odor is mainly found in municipal tap water. It is caused by the heavy chlorination of water at urban treatment plants.

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption); for drinking water - household reverse osmosis, triple filters, and pitchers.

Sulfur Odor (Rotten Eggs)

The presence of dissolved hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the water. Less commonly, it may be caused by sulfide bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide. Water from wells without further treatment can smell like rotten eggs.

Removal: Filters with Centaur loading (activated carbon - catalytic oxidation and adsorption) or MGS (manganese green sand). Chlorination of water is necessary to remove bacteria.

Chemical or Phenolic Odor

This type of odor is caused by the presence of wastewater in the water supply system or in the groundwater (in the case of extraction from underground sources).

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption).

Types of Unusual Tastes in Water and How to Remove Them

Water can have various recognizable tastes for different reasons. It is always important to identify the cause of a specific taste or odor before choosing methods for its removal. Filtration, changing the water source, or treatment can be effective methods for improving water quality.

Salty Taste

Caused by an increased content of salts in the water: NaCl, NaSO4, MgSO4.

Removal: Desalination (deionization or reverse osmosis). For drinking - household reverse osmosis.

Metallic Taste

Indicates an increased content of iron and/or manganese in the water. At very high concentrations, tap water may smell like iron.

Removal: Comprehensive treatment systems with Ecomix, BIRM, MGS, and other iron removal methods.

Alkaline Taste

Caused by a high alkalinity level in the water.

Removal: Reverse osmosis or deionization systems (N-cationization). For drinking - household reverse osmosis.

The table below provides a more detailed classification of odors with their origins.

Characteristics of All Tastes and Odors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Characteristics of Taste or Odor
Tastes Without Odors
SaltyWater with a salty taste often contains sodium chloride (table salt).
BitterMagnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate.
Bitter, AstringentIron and aluminum sulfates, excess lime.
Bitter, MetallicWater with a metallic taste usually contains iron sulfates, manganese, and copper.
SoapySodium carbonate (soda).
SweetishSodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Peaty or Plant-likeHumic acids.
Tasteless, Flat (Weak)Lack of dissolved oxygen, hardness salts, and high temperature (warm water).
Astringent, Irritating, Causes Tickling and Dryness in the MouthPresence of styrene - this water cannot be used for drinking.
Odors Without Tastes
Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen sulfide in well water.
Petroleum and ParaffinPresence of petroleum products in the water, which may be of natural or industrial origin.
Tastes in Combination with Odors, Natural or Existing Before Treatment
EarthyActivity of actinomycetes in river water, particularly common during flood periods.
Geranium, Violet, Cucumber, Nasturtium, Fishy, SwineIndicate algal growth in the water body.
Weedy, Earthy, Herbaceous, Musty, Moldy, Rotting PlantsDecay of plants in water bodies or in structures.
Phenolic, Aromatic, Chemical ProductsWater with a sour taste and chemical reagent notes usually contains industrial wastewater pollutants.
Tastes and Odors Acquired as a Result of Water Treatment
MoldyFormed as a result of chlorinating water rich in algae.
Chlorophenolic (Medicinal), Iodoform, Chemical GoodsResult of chlorinating water containing industrial wastewater.
Chlorine OdorChlorination of relatively clean water.
Tastes and Odors Arising in Pipelines
Resinous, NaphthaleneLeaching of resinous substances in new pipelines and other structures.
Creosote, FishyResult of pollution by industrial wastewater.
Tasteless, FlatFormed from prolonged standing of water in tanks and containers.
MustyOften results from the proximity of hot and cold pipelines.
Unpleasant Taste and Rotten, Plant-like OdorIndicates the proliferation of hydrobionts in tanks and other water supply structures.

Resources:

  1. Jewell, Tim. 2019. Water’s Flavor and Where It Comes From. healthline.com/health/does-water-have-a-taste (6 Desember 2019).
  2. Wisialowski, Kate. March 18, 2018. The Drinking Water Taste Guide.
Understanding Water Taste and Odor: Causes, Effects, and Solutions Odor and taste of water Discover why water can have unpleasant tastes and odors, such as rotten, fishy, or metallic flavors. Learn about the causes, effects, and effective filtration methods for improving water quality. 2025-01-20 2025-01-20

Organoleptic properties of water include indicators such as odor, taste (flavor), turbidity, and color. In this material, we will discuss taste and odor. In addition to being critical for aesthetic aspects, they can indirectly indicate the presence of certain contaminants in the water. Odors and flavors in water are signs of the presence of specific substances, such as dissolved salts and various chemical and organic compounds. It is important to note that these parameters are evaluated using a five-point scale, as detailed in the table below.

It is worth noting that the evaluation of odors is conducted for water of any origin. For water that is known to be contaminated with harmful impurities, such an assessment is not performed.

Assessment of water odors and flavors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
ScoreOdor and Flavor IntensityDescription of Intensity
0NoneAbsence of any detectable odor or flavor.
1Very WeakOdor or flavor that is undetectable by the consumer but identified in the laboratory by an experienced analyst.
2WeakOdor or flavor that does not attract the consumer's attention but can be detected if noticed.
3NoticeableOdor or flavor that is easily noticeable and may cause a negative perception of the water.
4ClearOdor or flavor that draws attention and makes the water unpleasant to drink.
5Very StrongOdor or flavor that is so strong that it renders the water unsuitable for drinking.

Why Does Water Have an Unpleasant Odor and How to Deal with It?

Rotten, Fishy, or Earthy Odor

This odor is most commonly found in water from open water sources. It is caused by the presence of natural organic compounds in the water, such as geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. These compounds are generally safe for humans, although they can sometimes be related to the presence of blue-green algae and bacteria in the water. The concentration of these compounds is highest during algal blooms.

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption); for drinking water - household reverse osmosis.

Chlorine Odor
This odor is mainly found in municipal tap water. It is caused by the heavy chlorination of water at urban treatment plants.

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption); for drinking water - household reverse osmosis, triple filters, and pitchers.

Sulfur Odor (Rotten Eggs)

The presence of dissolved hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the water. Less commonly, it may be caused by sulfide bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide. Water from wells without further treatment can smell like rotten eggs.

Removal: Filters with Centaur loading (activated carbon - catalytic oxidation and adsorption) or MGS (manganese green sand). Chlorination of water is necessary to remove bacteria.

Chemical or Phenolic Odor

This type of odor is caused by the presence of wastewater in the water supply system or in the groundwater (in the case of extraction from underground sources).

Removal: Activated carbon filters (adsorption).

Types of Unusual Tastes in Water and How to Remove Them

Water can have various recognizable tastes for different reasons. It is always important to identify the cause of a specific taste or odor before choosing methods for its removal. Filtration, changing the water source, or treatment can be effective methods for improving water quality.

Salty Taste

Caused by an increased content of salts in the water: NaCl, NaSO4, MgSO4.

Removal: Desalination (deionization or reverse osmosis). For drinking - household reverse osmosis.

Metallic Taste

Indicates an increased content of iron and/or manganese in the water. At very high concentrations, tap water may smell like iron.

Removal: Comprehensive treatment systems with Ecomix, BIRM, MGS, and other iron removal methods.

Alkaline Taste

Caused by a high alkalinity level in the water.

Removal: Reverse osmosis or deionization systems (N-cationization). For drinking - household reverse osmosis.

The table below provides a more detailed classification of odors with their origins.

Characteristics of All Tastes and Odors

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Characteristics of Taste or Odor
Tastes Without Odors
SaltyWater with a salty taste often contains sodium chloride (table salt).
BitterMagnesium sulfate or sodium sulfate.
Bitter, AstringentIron and aluminum sulfates, excess lime.
Bitter, MetallicWater with a metallic taste usually contains iron sulfates, manganese, and copper.
SoapySodium carbonate (soda).
SweetishSodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Peaty or Plant-likeHumic acids.
Tasteless, Flat (Weak)Lack of dissolved oxygen, hardness salts, and high temperature (warm water).
Astringent, Irritating, Causes Tickling and Dryness in the MouthPresence of styrene - this water cannot be used for drinking.
Odors Without Tastes
Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen sulfide in well water.
Petroleum and ParaffinPresence of petroleum products in the water, which may be of natural or industrial origin.
Tastes in Combination with Odors, Natural or Existing Before Treatment
EarthyActivity of actinomycetes in river water, particularly common during flood periods.
Geranium, Violet, Cucumber, Nasturtium, Fishy, SwineIndicate algal growth in the water body.
Weedy, Earthy, Herbaceous, Musty, Moldy, Rotting PlantsDecay of plants in water bodies or in structures.
Phenolic, Aromatic, Chemical ProductsWater with a sour taste and chemical reagent notes usually contains industrial wastewater pollutants.
Tastes and Odors Acquired as a Result of Water Treatment
MoldyFormed as a result of chlorinating water rich in algae.
Chlorophenolic (Medicinal), Iodoform, Chemical GoodsResult of chlorinating water containing industrial wastewater.
Chlorine OdorChlorination of relatively clean water.
Tastes and Odors Arising in Pipelines
Resinous, NaphthaleneLeaching of resinous substances in new pipelines and other structures.
Creosote, FishyResult of pollution by industrial wastewater.
Tasteless, FlatFormed from prolonged standing of water in tanks and containers.
MustyOften results from the proximity of hot and cold pipelines.
Unpleasant Taste and Rotten, Plant-like OdorIndicates the proliferation of hydrobionts in tanks and other water supply structures.

Resources:

  1. Jewell, Tim. 2019. Water’s Flavor and Where It Comes From. healthline.com/health/does-water-have-a-taste (6 Desember 2019).
  2. Wisialowski, Kate. March 18, 2018. The Drinking Water Taste Guide.
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