Is Your Tap Water Sketchy? Here’s How to Know.
You turn on the faucet, fill your bottle, and take a sip. But have you ever wondered what’s really in your water? đź‘€ From weird smells to mystery stains, your water might be telling you something—and it’s not just being dramatic.
Here are the top signs your water might be toxic, how to check it, and what you can do to clean it up (for real).
1. It Smells… Off
If your water smells like rotten eggs (sulfur), chlorine, or even metal, that’s not normal.
- Chlorine: Too much = eye & skin irritation
- Sulfur (rotten egg smell): Likely from bacteria or decaying matter
- Metallic smell: Could be iron, lead, or copper
2. It Tastes Metallic or Bitter
Clean water should taste… like nothing. If it tastes metallic, bitter, or salty, your pipes or municipal system could be leaching contaminants like lead, zinc, or chloride into your water.
3. Your Sink or Toilet Has Orange, Blue, or White Buildup
- Orange stains: Excess iron
- Blue/green stains: Copper corrosion
- White crusty deposits: Hard water/minerals
4. You’ve Got Dry Skin or Hair (Especially After Showering)
High levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water can mess with your skin and hair. If you’ve ruled out products, your water might be the culprit.
5. You’re Getting Sick More Often
Contaminated water can weaken your immune system over time, especially if it contains bacteria, PFAS, VOCs, or nitrates. If your home has well water, you’re at higher risk without filtration.
How to Test Your Water
- Use the EWG Tap Water Database – ewg.org/tapwater → Search by ZIP
- Buy a Home Water Test Kit – Test for lead, chlorine, nitrates, bacteria, etc.
- Contact your local water supplier for annual water quality reports
Bonus: Lifestyle Swaps That Help
- Use a shower filter to reduce skin/hair issues
- Ditch bottled water for a reusable glass bottle + filtered water
- Cook with filtered water—especially for baby formula, rice, and coffee
Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for Sketchy Water
If your water has weird vibes—it’s not in your head. Clean, safe water shouldn’t be a mystery. By testing and filtering your tap, you can take control, protect your health, and feel better with every sip or shower.
