What can affect the taste and odor of drinking water?

The presence of organic materials, chemicals, and minerals is a significant factor affecting the taste and odor of drinking water. Various organic substances, such as decomposing plant material, can introduce unpleasant smells or flavors. Chemicals might include chlorine, used for disinfection, or residuals from industrial processes, which can also cause unwanted tastes and odors. Additionally, dissolved minerals, such as iron or sulfur, can impart distinct flavors or odors to the water. In essence, the composition of what is dissolved or suspended in the water directly influences how it tastes and smells, making this choice the most comprehensive answer regarding the quality of drinking water.

While factors like the age of the water infrastructure, temperature, and time of year may also influence taste and odor to some extent, they do not directly embody the chemical and organic interactions that stipulate how the water’s composition can lead to specific sensory perceptions.