If you think your water tastes funny this week, you’re not imagining it.
Dr Bill Simpson, a chemist at Our Taap, has revealed why British water might have a ‘musty’ taste to it.
According to the expert, the return of rain following weeks of extreme dryness is to blame.
While some Brits might notice an earthy aroma to their water, others will experience a distinct, musty undertone.
‘Heavy rainfall can create problems for those responsible for treating water and can even lead to the water from our taps taking on a variety of unpleasant notes, including an ‘earthy’ smell, a ‘musty’ flavour or a heightened chlorine odour,’ Dr Simpson explained.
‘Flooded drains can lead to natural water sources being contaminated with extra organic matter and pollutants as well as a substantially increased number of microorganisms, some of which will be pathogenic and antibiotic–resistant.
‘This causes a whole world of pain for the treatment plant!
‘Some households might notice more of a chlorine smell in their water following heavy rainfall. This is because higher chlorine levels might have to be used during treatment in an attempt to lower the levels of microorganisms in the water.’
If you think your water tastes funny this week, you’re not imagining it. Dr Bill Simpson, a chemist at Our Taap, has revealed why British water might have a ‘musty’ taste to it
The UK has just been through an intense dry spell, with drought declared across much of England.
However, the rain has finally arrived, with frequent showers forecast across the country.
While this rain will provide some much needed relief from the heat, it could also impact the taste of our drinking water.
Chlorine is added during the normal treatment process of our water.
However, Dr Simpson explains that the issue when there’s heavy rain is the increase in extra organic matter, caused by runoff.
‘The risk of trihalomethane formation is increased,’ he explained.
‘This is a group of chemical compounds which form when chlorine reacts with the organic matter in water, also known as a disinfection by–product.
‘The formation of disinfection by–products gives rise to ‘inky’, ‘plastic’ and ‘musty’ notes.’
The UK has just been through an intense dry spell, with drought declared across much of England. However, the rain has finally arrived, with frequent showers forecast across the country
Unfortunately, these by–products are notoriously difficult to remove.
Dr Simpson said: ‘In some circumstances, traces of these taste and odour compounds may remain after treatment, potentially leaving your tap water with a noticeable ‘musty’ or ‘earthy’ flavour.’
Before you panic, there’s good news – your tap water is still very much safe to drink.
‘Don’t worry, the water is still safe to drink – we’ve pretty much eliminated the chance of getting sick from drinking tap water in this country,’ Dr Simpson reassured.
