When you turn on the tap expecting a crisp, refreshing glass of water and are instead met with a metallic aftertaste, it’s not just unpleasant—it raises questions. Why does your water taste like metal? Is it safe to drink? And most importantly, what can you do about it?
This issue is more common than many homeowners realize. Metallic-tasting water is often a symptom of deeper water quality concerns—ranging from elevated iron and manganese levels to corroded plumbing or aging infrastructure. Fortunately, there are reliable, professional solutions that can restore your water’s quality, taste, and safety. In this guide, we’ll explore what causes a metallic taste in tap water, how to identify the root issue, and what proven treatment options are available.
What Causes Water to Taste Metallic?
There are several reasons why your tap water might taste like metal. While not always dangerous, this taste typically signals that your water contains elevated levels of metals—whether from naturally occurring minerals in your water source or from corrosion in your home’s plumbing system.
1. High Iron and Manganese Levels in Source Water
Iron and manganese are naturally occurring minerals often found in groundwater supplies, especially in private wells and rural areas across Utah. While small amounts of these minerals are not harmful and may even be essential in your diet, elevated concentrations in your drinking water can significantly affect its taste, color, and clarity.
Water with high iron levels can taste like blood or rust and may leave reddish or orange stains on sinks and laundry. Manganese, often found alongside iron, can impart a bitter, metallic flavor and cause black or brown staining. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), manganese is a major contributor to perceptible taste issues in household water, even when present at low levels.
2. Corroded or Aging Plumbing Systems
Metallic tastes can also result from corrosion inside your home’s plumbing. As pipes age, especially those made from copper, galvanized steel, or lead, they can begin to deteriorate. This corrosion allows metal particles to leach into your water supply, leading to off-tastes and potential health concerns.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes that plumbing materials—particularly lead and copper—can pose risks when they corrode into drinking water. This risk is especially high in homes built before 1986, when lead plumbing was still widely used. Even if your pipes are copper, low pH or acidic water can accelerate corrosion and introduce copper ions into your tap water, giving it a metallic taste and occasionally causing blue-green staining on fixtures.
Is Metallic-Tasting Water Dangerous?
In many cases, metallic-tasting water is not immediately harmful—but it shouldn’t be ignored. Iron and manganese, while not toxic at low levels, can contribute to long-term plumbing issues, staining, and build-up inside water heaters and appliances. Copper and lead, on the other hand, are more serious.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin and should never be present in drinking water. Even trace amounts can be harmful to children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term exposure to heavy metals in drinking water is linked to developmental, cardiovascular, and kidney problems.
The key takeaway: metallic taste is a red flag—not a panic alarm. If your water tastes off, the first step is testing. Once you identify the source, you can implement the right solution confidently.
How to Get Rid of Metallic Taste in Water
Eliminating the metallic taste in your tap water requires a targeted approach based on what’s causing the issue. Whether the problem is iron, manganese, or pipe corrosion, Advanced Aqua Systems offers professional-grade solutions tailored to your home’s specific water chemistry.
1. Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems for Iron and Manganese Removal
If you notice a metallic taste throughout your entire home, the issue likely lies in your main water supply. A whole-home water filtration system is the most comprehensive way to treat elevated levels of iron and manganese at the source.
These systems are installed at the point of entry—where water first enters your home—and are designed to treat every faucet, shower, and appliance. They ensure that your entire plumbing system is protected from metallic-tasting water and mineral-related damage.
Advanced technologies like oxidation with catalytic media and backwashing filtration tanks work together to remove both ferric (oxidized) and ferrous (dissolved) iron. This process not only improves taste and clarity but also:
- Reduces reddish-orange staining on fixtures and laundry
- Protects plumbing and appliances from long-term mineral buildup
- Helps stabilize pH, reducing corrosion from acidic water
With proper maintenance, a whole-home system can eliminate iron-related metallic flavors for good and extend the life of your water-using systems.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water Systems
If the metallic taste is isolated to your drinking water—such as from your kitchen sink—an under-sink reverse osmosis system offers a highly effective, point-of-use solution.
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, including heavy metals like lead, copper, and manganese. These compact systems provide purified water directly at the tap or refrigerator, making them ideal for:
- Homes with older plumbing systems
- Properties on well water or with inconsistent municipal supply
- Families seeking the cleanest water for drinking and cooking
RO systems improve taste, clarity, and odor—offering a noticeable upgrade for anyone experiencing metallic flavors or concerns about tap water safety.
3. Free Professional Water Testing from Advanced Aqua Systems
Before investing in any filtration system, it’s essential to understand exactly what’s in your water. That’s why Advanced Aqua Systems provides free in-home water testing for families throughout St. George and the surrounding areas.
Our testing process identifies levels of key contaminants such as:
- Iron and manganese
- pH imbalance or acidity
- Corrosion-related metals like copper and lead
Armed with this data, we provide personalized recommendations based on your water chemistry—not generic one-size-fits-all fixes. Accurate testing is the first and most important step in solving metallic water issues the right way.
“Chris and his team of professionals did a FABULOUS job with the installation of a single sink RO system in my home. On time, addressed a couple of small problems immediately. I couldn’t be happier with the product and the support.”
— Stanford Anderson
Preventing Metallic Taste in the Future
Once you’ve resolved the issue, it’s important to maintain the integrity of your water system going forward. Here’s how you can prevent metallic taste from returning:
- Schedule annual water testing — Especially if you rely on well water or live in an older home.
- Monitor your plumbing — Look for signs of corrosion, like discoloration around fittings or blue/green stains.
- Use appropriate filtration — Ensure your system is suited to your water chemistry and is professionally maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metallic-Tasting Water
What causes my tap water to taste metallic?
Metallic taste is usually caused by elevated levels of iron, manganese, or copper in your water. These metals can come from your water source or from corrosion inside your plumbing system. Homes with aging copper or galvanized steel pipes are especially prone to this issue.
Is it safe to drink water that tastes like metal?
In many cases, metallic-tasting water is not harmful. However, it may signal the presence of lead or other heavy metals that could pose health risks over time. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get your water professionally tested to confirm what’s in it.
Can water filters remove the metallic taste?
Yes. Whole-home water filtration systems and reverse osmosis (RO) systems are highly effective at removing metals that cause metallic taste. The best system depends on whether the issue is throughout the home or isolated to a single tap.
How can I tell if pipe corrosion is the problem?
Look for signs like blue-green stains around fixtures, low water pressure, or inconsistent taste from different taps. Corroded pipes often release copper or iron into the water. A professional water test can help determine if corrosion is to blame.
What should I do if the taste changes suddenly?
Sudden changes in taste could be caused by a shift in municipal water treatment, seasonal changes in groundwater, or sudden pipe corrosion. If the taste worsens or is accompanied by discoloration, schedule a water test immediately to rule out contaminants.
Trusted Solutions for Metallic-Tasting Water in Utah Homes
When your water tastes like metal, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a sign that your plumbing or water supply may contain elevated levels of iron, manganese, or other dissolved metals. These issues don’t just affect taste—they can stain fixtures, damage appliances, and in some cases, indicate deeper water quality problems that deserve professional attention.
At Advanced Aqua Systems, we’ve spent over 15 years helping Utah homeowners reclaim confidence in their water. As a locally owned and operated company based in St. George, we understand the unique challenges of our regional water supply and provide customized, effective solutions that go beyond generic filtration systems. From free in-home water testing to advanced reverse osmosis and whole-home filtration installations, our team is committed to delivering water that’s not only safer—but also fresher, cleaner, and great-tasting.
Whether you’re in Washington County, Iron County, or beyond, book your free consultation today and let our licensed professionals help you eliminate the metallic taste in your water once and for all. At Advanced Aqua Systems, clean water isn’t just our business—it’s our mission.
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