Many Hillsborough County residents notice a metallic taste when drinking tap water. This taste, often described as slightly bitter or like metal, can prompt questions about the water’s source and quality.
Common belief: Metallic taste results directly from iron contamination in the local groundwater
While iron is a known contributor to metallic tastes, the source of iron in water depends on how it enters the groundwater or distribution system. In Hillsborough County, iron naturally occurs in the bedrock aquifer and can dissolve into groundwater from the surrounding rock. Government sampling by the U.S. Geological Survey between 2012 and 2013 found detectable iron in 48 of 118 samples taken from wells between 110 and 1100 feet deep. Detected concentrations ranged widely, but none exceeded any federal health-based thresholds. This indicates iron presence is common but generally within ranges not considered unsafe by federal standards.
Common belief: All household fixtures will taste metallic equally
The metallic taste due to iron is typically first noticed at fixtures where water sits or moves slowly, such as kitchen faucets or ice makers. Appliances that expose water to air or temperature changes may also accentuate the taste. This happens because iron can oxidize or interact with plumbing materials, altering taste locally. Not all appliances or taps are equally affected, so some household points may taste more metallic than others.
Common belief: Only replacing plumbing removes metallic taste
Technical options for addressing metallic taste focus on reducing or neutralizing iron in water before it reaches the tap. One documented approach is the Autotrol Metallic-Tasting Water Filter, which uses a specific filtration process designed to reduce iron-related taste. This system ships ready to configure with household plumbing and removes iron through proven media that trap or transform dissolved iron compounds, improving water taste without the need to replace pipes.
Common belief: Area iron data predicts exactly what my household water contains
The USGS regional data shows a median iron concentration of 180 micrograms per liter, with a range from 70 to 13,000 micrograms per liter in sampled bedrock aquifer wells. While useful for understanding the general conditions in Hillsborough County, these numbers do not define any single well’s iron content. Variability occurs between depths and locations, so individual well testing is necessary to determine specific water quality and the degree of metallic taste present.
Common belief: Commercial or industrial water uses face the same issues as households
While households mainly experience taste and aesthetic issues from iron, commercial or industrial users must consider additional factors like water volume, treatment longevity, and possible interaction with manufacturing processes. Questions about flow rates and system capacity become more complex and require tailored solutions beyond household-scale filters, though the same basic principles and technology may apply.
Common belief: Public water system records reflect private well water quality accurately
Public system records in Hillsborough County report compliance with health standards and generally do not show iron levels causing taste issues. However, public systems source water differently and typically treat it extensively. Private wells tap directly into bedrock aquifers and can vary widely in iron content. Only private well testing reveals the exact water quality experienced at a home.
What not to conclude: Area iron data does not prove that your well water contains high iron or that your metallic taste is unsafe. It indicates that iron is a detectable natural constituent in local bedrock groundwater. Testing your water for iron and other constituents is the necessary step to know your household’s specific situation. If metallic taste is noticeable, the Autotrol Metallic-Tasting Water Filter offers a documented, direct-purchase solution to reduce iron-related taste while accommodating household water use and fixture configurations.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-09-20. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.
On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Iron in the BEDROCK aquifer (Hillsborough County): 118 results from 117 wells, median 180.0 ug/L, range 70.0-13000.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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