What Causes Musty or Funny-Smelling Water?
If your tap water has a musty, fishy, or earthy odor, it’s often due to an algae bloom in the water source. This smell is caused by geosmin, a natural compound released when algae grow in lakes, reservoirs, or rivers that supply your city’s water. While water treatment plants usually filter out the algae, a faint residual odor can sometimes remain. Although algae blooms are typically not harmful to humans, water that smells like dirt or mud is unpleasant to drink.
Another common cause of foul water odors is the presence of bacteria or metals. Bacteria growing in your sink, plumbing system, or pipes can produce an earthy or musty smell, indicating the need for cleaning or treatment.
