If you’ve ever drank water from the tap in your bathroom sink, you may have noticed that it tastes slightly different than the tap water from your kitchen sink. But why exactly do these two options taste different, and is it safer to drink one than the other?
Some people perceive bathroom sink water to taste different than kitchen sink water because it generally runs colder. But bathroom sink water also tastes different than filtered water because it often contains hard minerals, dissolved metals, and other particulates.
If you want to learn more about the differences between bathroom sink water and other water sources, keep reading. We’ll also discuss the potential risks of drinking water from the bathroom tap and based on what’s commonly found in it. Let’s get into it!
Why Bathroom Sink Water Tastes Different
Bathroom sink water, and tap water in general, tastes different from filtered water because it typically has dissolved metallic substances in it. The common culprits include:
- Magnesium – important for blood pressure and blood sugar control
- Zinc – important for wound healing, metabolism, and immune health
- Iron – important for oxygen movement and red blood cell creation
These trace amounts of metals in your tap water are not inherently harmful, as the human body needs these to function. But their presence can create a metallic taste that turns some people off of drinking tap water.
Furthermore, tap water can sometimes have a distinct taste to it due to the presence of mineral hardness or softness.
Hardness/Softness of Water
Hard water refers to water that is rich in dissolved minerals – primarily calcium carbonate, sulfates, magnesium carbonate, and certain bicarbonates. On the other hand, soft water refers to water that is lacking in those dissolved minerals and instead sometimes has a higher sodium content.
Some people describe the taste of hard water as somewhat bitter. Conversely, people don’t tend to describe any particular taste when it comes to drinking soft water.
Essentially, soft water doesn’t have as much stuff dissolved in it, so you’re less likely to notice any sort of mineral taste.
Bathroom Sink Water vs. Kitchen Sink Water
Some people are under the impression that the water in their kitchen sink tap is different from the water in their bathroom sink tap. But this almost never is the case. In reality, household water comes from the same source, whether you’re depositing it from your kitchen, utility, or bathroom sink. Occasionally, but not often, a home may have separate water tanks, and thus separate sources.
Otherwise, kitchen tap water and bathroom tap water are basically the same, even if they taste different.
Why Kitchen and Bathroom Water Taste Different
The reason that kitchen and bathroom tap water may taste different is likely because of the storage of the water. For example, water that comes from the bathroom sink tap may be stored before it comes out of the tap. While being stored, it comes into contact with bacteria sources, as well as other contaminants.
Furthermore, the water may taste different from tap to tap due to differences in the presence of certain minerals from one area of plumbing to another.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever wondered why does bathroom sink water taste different? Tap water from your bathroom sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that aren’t found in kitchen tap water, and some that definitely aren’t going to be in filtered water. Tap water tends to contain dissolved metals and minerals, as well.
While it’s typically safe to drink tap water, you should avoid regularly drinking it from your bathroom sink. Click on the tabs below to see related posts:
FAQs
Can I drink water from bathroom sink?
Technically, you can drink water from your bathroom sink tap, and it’s safe to do occasionally. But you probably shouldn’t drink from this tap very often due to particulates and contaminates that can enter the water from the pipes.
Is toilet water reused?
The recycling of toilet water, also known as “toilet to tap”, is a pretty common practice used to conserve Earth’s water resources. It’s when wastewater treatment companies collect water from toilets and drains (like shower drains) and purify it before it eventually becomes drinking water or tap water.
Why should you not drink water from the bathroom?
Drinking from the bathroom tap, especially on a regular basis, subjects you to the risk of illness. The pipes and especially the water tank/hot water tank are big culprits when it comes to bacterial buildup.
Is toilet water the same as tap water?
The water that gets filtered through toilets comes from the same water source as the water that comes out of sink taps. It’s not necessarily as clean as tap water once it has been sitting in the toilet bowl, but it has the same makeup.
