Organoleptic properties of the water include characteristics such as smell, taste, turbidity and color. In this article we will take a closer look at the smell and taste of the water. These parameters can indirectly indicate the presence of certain impurities such as dissolved salts, various chemical and organic compounds.
ASSESSMENT OF THE SMELL AND TASTE OF WATER
The smell and taste of the water is evaluated on a five-point scale. 0 indicates that the water has no smell/taste, while a score of 5 indicates a very strong smell/taste of the water.
| Intensity of smell and taste | Characterization of intensity | |
| 0 | Without | Lack of smell/taste |
| 1 | Very weak | The smell/taste cannot be detected. It is determined in the laboratory by an experienced analyst |
| 2 | Weak | The smell/taste that does not attract attention but is noticeable if extra attention is paid to it |
| 3 | Considerable | The smell/taste is easily noticeable |
| 4 | Strong | The smell/taste makes the water unpleasant for consumption |
| 5 | Very strong | The smell/taste is so strong that it makes the water invalid for consumption |
WHY DOES THE WATER SMELL BAD AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?
- ROT, FISH OR EARTH ODOR
Rotten, fishy or earthy odors are most common for the water from open bodies caused by the presence of natural organic compounds. Most common this type of compounds are geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. These compounds are mostly safe for humans but may be associated with the presence of blue-green algae and bacteria in the water.
In the case filters with activated carbon (adsorption) can be installed as well as reverse osmosis filters.
- CHLORINE ODOR
The smell of chlorine is mainly found in the water that are supplied from the centralized water supply system. This is caused by heavy water chlorination in the city’s water treatment plants.
In case filters with activated carbon (adsorption), reverse osmosis filters, triple filters as well as filter cups can be installed.
- ROTTEN EGG ODOR
The smell of rotten eggs in most cases indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the water. Less commonly this odor may indicate the presence of sulfide bacteria that produce hydrogen sulfide. It is characteristic of the tap water that comes directly from the well without further treatment.
In case filters filled with materials such as Centaur (activated carbon) or MGS (manganese green sand) can be installed. Additional water chlorination is required to remove bacteria.
- CHEMICAL, PHENOL ODOR
A chemical, phenolic odor is associated with sewage entering the water supply system or aquifer (groundwater extraction).
In case of mentioned odors it is necessary to install a filter with activated carbon (adsorption).
WHY DOES THE WATER TASTE BAD AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?
- SALTY AFTERTASTE
Salty aftertaste of the water is caused by the increased content of salts: NaCl, NaSO4 and MgSO4.
Ion exchange filters and reverse osmosis filters are suitable for the water desalination.
- METALLIC AFTERTASTE
Metallic aftertaste in the water indicates increased iron and/or manganese content in it. If the concentration of iron and/or manganese in the water is very high, the tap water tends to smell like iron.
Integrated cleaning systems with materials such as Ecomix, BIRM and MGS are suitable for removing metallic aftertaste.
- ALKALINE AFTERTASTE
Alkaline aftertaste of the water is due to the high alkalinity.
Reverse osmosis or ion exchange filters are suitable for removing alkaline aftertaste.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WATER FLAVORS AND ODORS
| Taste/smell characteristics | Possible source of origin |
| Salty water | Sodium chlorides |
| Bitter water
-Bitter, metallic taste |
* Magnesium or sodium sulfates
* Iron sulfates, manganese and copper |
| Sweet water | Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) |
| Soapy water | Sodium carbonate (soda) |
| Tasteless water | Lack of dissolved oxygen, hardness salts, during prolonged water settling |
| Irritating water that causes itching and dryness in the mouth | Styrene. This water are not suitable for consumption |
| The smell of musty, rotting plants | *Blowing plants in reservoirs or buildings *Chlorination of algae-rich water *Reproduction of hydrobionts in reservoirs and other water facilities |
| Smell of phenol, chemical products | Sour tasting water. Usually contains pollution from industrial effluents |
| The smell of rotten eggs | Hydrogen sulfide in the well water |
| The smell of chlorine | Chlorination of relatively pure water |
| Creosote, fishy smell | Consequences of industrial wastewater pollution |
| Naphthalene smell | Leaching of resinous substances in new water pipes and other structures |
| Oil and paraffin in the water | The presence of petroleum products in the water |
Read also: How to choose a water filter?
