A sudden chlorine smell in your tap water can be alarming, but it's often a sign your water treatment system is doing its job. However, an excessively strong or persistent bleach odor warrants investigation. This guide will explore the common causes of bleach-smelling water and what you can do about it.
What Causes the Bleach Smell in My Water?
The most common culprit is chlorine. Water treatment plants use chlorine to disinfect water, killing harmful bacteria and viruses. The smell you're detecting is likely residual chlorine, which, while generally safe in low concentrations, can be overwhelming at higher levels. This increased concentration can occur for several reasons:
- Recent water main flushing: Your local water utility may have recently flushed the water mains in your area. This process involves forcefully pushing water through the pipes to remove sediment and debris, sometimes leading to a temporary increase in chlorine levels.
- Increased chlorine levels by the utility: Periods of high water demand or concerns about water quality might prompt the water utility to temporarily increase chlorine levels.
- Problems with your home plumbing: Old or poorly maintained pipes can harbor bacteria, causing the utility to increase chlorine to compensate. The chlorine may linger longer due to the build-up in your pipes.
- New water pipes in your home or area: New PVC pipes can sometimes release a chlorine-like odor as they cure.
Is Bleach in My Water Harmful?
While chlorine at typical levels isn't harmful, excessive amounts can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If the smell is extremely strong and persistent, it's a good idea to contact your local water utility to report it. They can test your water and determine if the chlorine levels are above acceptable limits. Short-term exposure to slightly higher chlorine levels isn't typically dangerous but it's crucial to ensure consistently high levels aren't present.
How Long Does the Bleach Smell Last?
The duration of the bleach smell varies depending on the cause. If it's due to a water main flush, the smell should dissipate within a day or two. However, if it's related to a problem with your home plumbing or consistently high chlorine levels from the utility, the smell may persist longer.
What Should I Do If My Water Smells Like Bleach?
- Contact your water utility: This is the most crucial step. Report the strong chlorine smell and ask if they've recently made any changes to the water treatment process. They can also test your water for chlorine levels.
- Run your cold water: Let your cold water run for a few minutes. This can help flush out some of the chlorine from your pipes.
- Check your water filter: If you have a water filter, ensure it's properly installed and functioning. A clogged or outdated filter may not be effectively removing the chlorine.
- Air out your water: Letting water sit in an open container for a while can allow some of the chlorine to dissipate into the air.
My Water Smells Like Bleach and Other Chemicals - What Could That Be?
If you detect other chemical smells in addition to bleach, this requires immediate attention. This could indicate contamination, and contacting your water utility is essential. Do not consume the water until the utility has investigated and determined the cause.
Can I Use My Water for Drinking, Cooking and Bathing if It Smells Like Bleach?
Generally, small amounts of chlorine in water are safe for consumption. However, if the smell is overpowering, it's wise to err on the caution side. You can run the cold water for several minutes before using it to help dissipate some of the chlorine. For drinking and cooking, consider using filtered water as an extra precaution if you are concerned. For bathing, the chlorine is typically less of a concern unless you have particularly sensitive skin.
By taking these steps and contacting your local water utility, you can address the bleach smell and ensure your household's water is safe and pleasant to use. Remember, proactive communication with your water supplier is key to resolving any water quality issues.
