Water seems like an incredibly simple thing, right? Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom combine to create the most essential element in the whole world. It’s what fills oceans, rivers, ponds, lakes, and pools that make up a large percentage of every living creature’s body. Since its most central substance to our survival, you would think we would all be experts in it, but water is a surprisingly complex liquid.
There are so many things that can be dissolved into or suspended in water, and they all affect taste. Water from a well is going to taste different than municipal (city) water, just as wells and cities differ from each other. Your water’s flavor will be influenced by everything it touches between the source and your glass.
Purified, filtered, soft water tastes incredible, but at the same time, it doesn’t really taste like anything. This might seem like a paradox, but it’s true. Some types of water taste worse than others because of the elements in them. Cities add chemicals like chlorine to their water supplies to help kill any bacteria that might grow in water towers, pipes, tanks, or elsewhere that water needs to pass through to get to your home. Depending on how much chlorine your municipality adds, you will likely detect it first as a smell that influences your sense of taste. Then as an aftertaste on its own. This chemical scent and taste can be more off-putting for some than others.
Many natural water sources can be acidic. An acidic pH changes many of the properties of your water, including its taste. Most consider acidic water (pH level lower than 7) to taste somewhat sour instead of neutral. If your water tastes bitter, this could be caused by having alkaline water (pH level more than 7). While acidic water is more common for those who use well water, it could happen to just about anyone. Water acidity is measured in a standard water quality test. Water treatment professionals recommend having a standard water quality test done at least once per year because the environment your water is in contact with changes all the time.
Calcium and Magnesium are two of the biggest culprits that cause hard water. These elements are almost everywhere in nature, so most water supplies touch it at some point. Since most households have hard water, don’t be surprised if one or both show up when you have your water tested. A water softener can easily take care of calcium and magnesium, but there are still more elements to look out for.
Except for non-dissolved iron, most of these water contaminants won’t affect the coloration or clarity of your water. As a result, many Americans are left with water that tastes bad, even when the water looks just fine. Bad smells often sour our perception of taste as well, making fighting odors in water a part of helping enhance the taste.
If you want water that tastes better, the first step is to get your water tested. This will help a professional water treatment expert identify, order, and install the right tailored water treatment system for your water. Most homes need water softeners, and many will benefit from the right filtration as well. So, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call today for a FREE in-home water test so they can help you obtain better tasting water soon!
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing at (330) 527-4259 or (440) 286-6002 to schedule your appointment. Visit us online at www.debordinc.com or www.BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com to learn more and for special offers. See our display ad for more offers! Ohio License # 12292
