Why does my tap water smell or taste strange?

Compare several taps and carry a glass away from the sink before smelling it. If the odour disappears away from the plughole, DWI says the likely source is the sink or drain rather than the drinking water; if it remains, contact the water company when it is strong, sudden or persistent.

The pattern helps. A taste only after boiling may point to the kettle. A metallic taste after water has stood can come from household pipework. A medicinal or TCP-like taste can arise from a reaction involving plumbing components or appliance hoses. DWI advises checking whether neighbours have the same change, which helps separate a home issue from the supply.

Use freshly drawn cold water from the kitchen tap for drinking and cooking. Do not try to disguise a sudden strong chemical, petrol-like or sewage-like taste with a filter. Report it to the water company and follow its advice.

Filters and softeners need their maker's maintenance regime. A neglected treatment device can create its own hygiene or taste problem, and incorrect installation can allow unwanted backflow.

When reporting the change, describe the taste or odour, which taps are affected, when it started and whether neighbours notice it. Mention recent plumbing work, a new appliance hose, kettle or treatment cartridge. Do not taste water deliberately when a chemical or fuel contamination is suspected. Keep the water company's incident advice, and use an alternative supply only as it directs. A plumber can investigate household fittings once the company has ruled out the network.

Retain the case reference and record when the water returned to normal in case the problem recurs.

Sources

• Taste and odour in drinking water — Drinking Water Inspectorate, accessed 14 November 2026.
• Chlorine — Drinking Water Inspectorate, accessed 14 November 2026.

On Leatmere

Read water quality and hard-water areas and under-sink water filters.