There are a number of different reasons why your water may taste like blood. A high iron content is by far the most common reason to have a (metallic) taste that can be similar to blood. However, there can be other harmful contaminants that may be the root cause.
Reasons tap water tastes like blood
- A high iron concentration from corroded pipes. Iron in blood is what gives it the metallic taste.
- Other trace metals such as zinc, manganese, copper, or even lead.
- Injury. You’ve bitten your cheek or caused a minor injury in your mouth.
- Covid-19. Some individuals who experience loss of taste from Covid-19 have also reported having a metallic or bloody taste in their mouth.
- Medication. Many medications report a side effect of tasting blood. these include antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure, and diabetes medication. If you’ve recently started taking medication consult with your doctor as it could be a common side effect.
- Pine Nuts. It’s rare, however, some individuals have reported a bitter metallic taste in their mouth the day after consuming pine nuts. It can last as long as 2 to 4 weeks.
- Pregnancy. With all of the changes a body goes through during pregnancy it’s not surprising that a bloody or bitter metallic taste in the mouth is one of them.
- Neurological Conditions. A metallic taste in the mouth could be the beginning symptom of a neurological disease such as Bell’s Palsy.
If water is the cause then it is likely a metal imparting a blood-like taste. View our Taste Series on “Why does my water taste like metal?“
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