Have you ever wondered why your filtered water smells like fish? If that is so, some naturally occurring organic material such as cadmium or barium that managed to enter your water supply is included in the reason. While this bad odour does not appear to signify the presence of harmful contaminants in water, consumption can be a bit unpleasant. As the development of this problem is very common among several households, it has to be tackled on time. In this blog, we will be exploring the potential causes of water filter fishy smell and enlist the relevant solutions in detail.
Why Does My Filtered Water Smell Like Fish All?
If your filtered water smells like fish, it’s crucial to investigate the main reason behind such matter and take corrective action immediately. Here are a few reasons why your filtered water smells like fish.
1. Expired or Clogged or Contaminated Water Filters
When you find your filtered water smells like fish, consider the filter in your water filtration system first. When filters reach the end of their lifespan, they may become clogged and fail to properly filter out contaminants, allowing odors to pass through; what's more, over time, bacteria can accumulate in your water filter, especially if it's not changed regularly. These bacteria can release compounds that cause a fishy smell.
2. Natural Organic Matter
The primary reason a water filter fishy smell is due to the natural organic matter in your water source, such as barium or cadmium, etc. Barium typically exists in mineral ores and often seeps into pipes leading to a foul odour. Cadmium enters the water supply pipes via industrial waste or due to fertilizer contamination.
3. Algal Blooms
In summer, due to high temperatures and direct sunlight, there is an increase in the number of algal blooms in water catchments. As the water treatment plants try to get rid of algae before supplying the water, some algae particles show their presence in your water supply, making the water filter smells like fish.
4. Chloramine
Chloramine is a by-product of chlorine once added to water for purification. Chlorine treatment causes the water filter to have a fishy odour once the water passes through the filter of a reverse osmosis system, causing the water filters smells like fish.
How Water Filters Can Sometimes Cause Odours?
While the filter is particularly designed to purify water, poor maintenance or the inability to replace it on time decreases its efficiency and makes the water filter smells like fish. Here are the details explanation of how water filter influence the odour in water:
- Poor Maintenance
Water filters need to be regularly cleaned and checked to ensure they are filtering properly and that filtered residue isn’t accumulated much. Failing to maintain water filters on time makes them a bit ineffective at filtration, leading to a fishy odour and compromised water quality.
- Age
Your water filter comes with a lifespan and cannot filter water for eternity. If your filter passes its expiry date, its filtration capabilities decline and may cause water to contain contaminants, leading to smell.
- Incorrect Filter Type
Even if your filter is fully functional and you regularly maintain it, it may sometimes cause bad odours because of the wrong type of filter fitted. If heavy metals are present in your water and you install a filter only for chlorine removal, then that filter will not remove heavy metals and cause a bad smell. Hence, you should check the type of contamination in your water and then choose the particular filter type that best fits that.
- Bacteria
Sometimes, bacteria also accumulate within the filters as the filter is continuously exposed to the water. This may lead to a bad smell.
- Stagnation
If your water filter isn’t in use for a long time, it may lead to water stagnation, which may cause unpleasant odours due to poor circulation.
Is It Okay to Drink Water That Smells Like Fish?
In most cases, it's not recommended to drink water that smells like fish; but it’s okay to drink water that smells like fish. While the experience may be unpleasant, it’s not entirely dangerous. This is because municipal authorities have to keep organic compounds in the water supply within the threshold set by the EPA. It means that odouriferous water is being consumed without any health hazards. However, the root cause of the fishy smell must be traced and addressed as soon as possible.
How Do You Get Fish Smell Out of Water?
The removal of the odour can be done once the root cause underlying the smell of fish has been identified. In relation to the odours, we could explain each separately, first beginning with immediate and long-term solutions.
1. Immediate Steps to Take When Filtered Water Smells Like Fish
Following are some of the immediate solutions to get rid of bad fishy odour in water.
- Replace Your Filter
If your water smells bad, check your water filter to see if it’s not passed the expiry date. If so, replace the filter with a new one. You may also inspect the filter for signs of algae buildup as it could be a reason too.
- Flush Your System
You may want to choose to flush your system, since this would fight against standing water and bacterial build-up. Run your taps for a few minutes and allow fresh water to flow through the pipes.
- Test Your Water
Sometimes, the smell is contributed by some contaminants, so it's better to test it to find out the culprits and to take necessary steps for damage control.
2. Long-Term Solutions for Preventing Fishy odour
If you have taken immediate steps, that’s good, but you need to find a long-term solution to prevent fishy odour.
- Seek Professional Help
If you have tried the above-mentioned steps but couldn't get rid of the smell, then it is recommended to seek the pros. A water treatment specialist can inspect your system and find the main culprits.
- Use High-Quality Water Filters
To ensure your water is pure and clean all year round, you must invest in good-quality water filters such as the SimPure water filters that offer an advanced and multi-stage water filtration process. They come as countertop, under-sink or whole-house systems that are designed to filter your home water effectively using various filters that help reduce contaminants and also improve taste, thereby improving the overall water quality.
- Inspect Your Plumbing System
Sometimes, the bad odour may be due to a damaged or corrosive plumbing system, so if that’s the case, replace the old pipes in our house with new ones.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Fresh-Smelling Water
In addition to addressing the root causes behind the fishy odour, there are certain additional tips you can follow daily to ensure clean and odour-free water.
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Wash and rinse water bottles and pitchers frequently to prevent residue buildup that can lead to unpleasant odors.
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Adding a slice of lemon or lime to your water can help mask any minor odors and add a refreshing taste.
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Boiling water can help remove temporary odors and improve taste. Let it cool before drinking or storing.
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Consume filtered water within a reasonable time frame to prevent it from developing odors over time.
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Store water in a cool, dark place to prevent bacterial growth and odors.
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Regularly clean any water dispensers or coolers you use to ensure they do not contribute to odor issues.
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Ensure that any utensils or containers used with water are clean and free from strong-smelling substances.
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Use fresh filtered water daily and avoid letting it sit for extended periods to keep it smelling clean.
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Regularly inspect for leaks in your water filtration system or plumbing that could lead to contamination or odors.
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Occasionally open up the area around your water filter system to allow it to air out and reduce any stagnant odors.
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And remember to check the pH levels of the water from time to time because this may be a result of corrosion in your pipe, which is caused basically by acidic water.
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It is also a good idea to try and keep the area as dry as possible around your filtration system, because humidity does tend to invite mould and algae growth, and that causes fishy odours.
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Run water regularly in all of your house pipes, as stagnant water causes a fishy odour.
Conclusion
If your filtered water smells like fish, there’s no need to get worried as it is easily solvable with proper maintenance and effective resolution on time. To ensure clean and pure water, you must invest in high-quality filters such as SimPure water filters that offer advanced filtration all year round. While the bad odour may be resolved with the steps mentioned in this blog, you may contact a professional if your problem persists to get a permanent solution.
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