Why your well water tastes metallic, and what to do about it
A metallic taste usually comes from iron, manganese, or copper dissolved by acidic water. Iron and manganese show up as stains. Copper shows up as blue-green stains and tastes worst first thing in the morning. Lead and arsenic don't cause a metallic taste, so a metallic taste is a good reason to test for them too.
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Step 1: Taste the first water of the morning, then again after it runs
Fill a glass from the cold tap first thing in the morning. Then let the tap run for a minute and fill another.
- Much worse in the first glass. The metal is likely coming from your pipes. Penn State Extension says corrosive water gives a metallic taste that's strongest in the first water of the morning.
- The same in both glasses. Penn State says if the metal level doesn't drop with flushing, it's most likely in the well water itself, such as iron or manganese.
Step 2: Look at your sinks and laundry
Stains usually point to the metal:
| Stain color | Likely metal | EPA taste and staining guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Orange, red, or brown | Iron | 0.3 mg/L |
| Black or dark brown | Manganese | 0.05 mg/L |
| Blue-green | Copper from corroded pipes | 1.0 mg/L |
| No stains | Could still be zinc, low pH, or a small amount of any of the above |
The guidelines are the EPA's secondary standards, which are set for taste, color, and staining. The EPA lists a "bitter metallic taste" for both manganese and low pH (acidic water).
Lead and arsenic don't taste metallic
This is why a metallic taste is worth a full test. The Wisconsin DNR says arsenic doesn't cause a metallic taste, but it's often found along with metals that do. Lead doesn't either, and Wisconsin says it can come along with copper from corroding plumbing. Wisconsin says arsenic is linked to cancer even at fairly low levels, and the Minnesota Department of Health says lead can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
Wisconsin also notes that rising iron in a well can be a clue to an arsenic problem in some areas.
Step 3: Test for metals and pH
Ask the lab for iron, manganese, copper, lead, arsenic, pH, and hardness. Wisconsin's list for a metallic taste covers most of these. For copper and lead, collect the first water out of the tap in the morning, since Penn State says that sample shows the highest levels.
The EPA notes your local health department may test for free. Our test results tool explains each number once you have them.
Fix the metal you find
| What the test shows | Options from our sources |
|---|---|
| Low pH, copper, or lead from pipes | Acid neutralizing filter or soda ash feed to raise pH. Flush the cold tap 30 to 60 seconds before drinking until it's fixed (Minnesota). |
| Iron | Softener for low levels, oxidizing filter for higher ones. See orange or brown stains. |
| Manganese | Softener or oxidizing filter. See black specks. |
| Arsenic or lead over the limit | See our arsenic and lead pages. Virginia Cooperative Extension says reverse osmosis reduces most dissolved inorganic contaminants. |
When to call a pro
Call a water treatment professional once you have test results showing more than one metal, or low pH with lead or copper. Call a plumber if you also see pinhole leaks, which Penn State lists as a sign of corrosive water.
Questions people ask
Is metallic-tasting well water safe to drink?
Iron at stain-causing levels is a nuisance. Manganese has an EPA health advisory at 0.3 mg/L, and Minnesota's guide for babies is 0.1 mg/L. The taste doesn't tell you about lead or arsenic, so test for both before you decide.
Why does my water taste metallic only in the morning?
Water sat in your pipes overnight and picked up copper or other metals. Penn State says this points to corrosive water. Minnesota suggests running the cold tap 30 to 60 seconds before drinking.
Can a water softener fix a metallic taste?
It depends on the cause. Virginia Cooperative Extension says a softener can remove small amounts of iron and manganese. If the taste comes from corroded pipes, Penn State's fixes are a neutralizer or soda ash, and Minnesota says softened water can itself corrode pipes.
Where this comes from
- Wisconsin DNR, My Water Tastes Metallic
- Penn State Extension, Corrosive Water Problems
- Penn State Extension, Common Drinking Water Problems and Solutions
- EPA, Secondary Drinking Water Standards
- Minnesota Department of Health, Copper in Drinking Water
- Minnesota Department of Health, Iron in Well Water
- EPA, Protect Your Home's Water
- Minnesota Department of Health, Well Testing, Results, and Options
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, Household Water Treatment
- Minnesota Department of Health, Home Water Softening
- Penn State Extension, Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
- Minnesota Department of Health, Manganese in Drinking Water