Tap water sometimes looks, smells or tastes funny. Most often, that is because there has been a heavy algae bloom on the reservoir your water comes from, or excess iron or manganese has accumulated in the lines that deliver it to your home. While these substances may affect your water's appearance, smell or taste, they are not harmful to your health. Home water treatment devices, such as filters, certainly can make tap water taste better-but they also can breed bacteria if they are not properly maintained. Before investing in a treatment device or bottled water, try chilling your tap water.
Most people find that does the trick.
If you do decide to listen to a sales pitch for bottled water or a filtration unit, remember that it's against the law for anyone other than a state-certified laboratory to test your water for bacteria or chemicals. Lead pipes were used as water lines in Massachusetts until 1940, and lead solder was used to join copper pipes until the state banned it in 1986. As a result, some homes may still have excessive levels of lead at the tap. Because lead can be especially harmful to children, it is important to take the proper steps. DEP has prepared a series of brochures and fact sheets to help you learn more about the water you drink.