Is it okay to drink water that smells like fish?

Author: Mr. Curtis Kuvalis Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Contact your water provider if your water has a fishy smell. If you're on a city water system, local officials are required by the EPA to maintain the levels of organic compounds in the water supply so it's safe to use.

Is it safe to drink water that smells fishy?

Often this smell doesn't signify the presence of a harmful contaminant, but it could indicate that your drinking water isn't the cleanest and should be inspected to restore it to its purest state.

What causes fishy smell in water?

If you notice a musty, fishy, or earthy smell in your tap water, it is probably the result of an algae bloom. Algae bloom, or geosmin, occurs when algae grow in a city's water supply source.

Is it safe to shower in water that smells like fish?

This smell does not signify the presence of a harmful contaminant but it could indicate your drinking water is not the cleanest and should be inspected before you continue to use it for bathing and drinking.

What color is diabetic pee?

If you urinate often, and your pee is very light-colored or even clear, it could be a sign of diabetes.

Should You Be Worried About the Fishy Smell In Houston's Water?

How do I fix smelly tap water?

Disinfecting, cleaning and flushing the drain should eliminate the odor. The reservoir/pressure tank may also be the source of such an odor. Cleaning and maintaining the reservoir/ pressure tank periodically can prevent bacteria from growing to levels that cause odor in the water.

Why is there a fishy smell in my bathroom?

A fishy smell in the bathroom can be another symptom of clogged drains or an unclean toilet. But this smell also has some more dangerous culprits, so it's worth doing a full investigation to stay safe. One worrying cause of a fishy smell could be an electrical fault caused by a shower or bath leak.

Is smelly tap water safe to drink?

Most drinking water does not have a noticeable taste or odour, however there may be some situations where this is not the case. If you suddenly notice a particularly bad or strong smell or taste which makes the water unpalatable, you should contact your water company.

What is the bacteria that smells like fish?

Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotten or decaying fish.

Why does my filtered water taste like fish?

This can occur when the filters become dirty or when tap water contains certain metals and minerals that affect the taste. Regular cleaning of the filters can help eliminate the fishy smell and maintain filter longevity.

Can you drink smelly bottled water?

No, it isn't safe drinking from a smelly water bottle.

Can dehydration cause fish smell?

Fishy vaginal odor can be due to infection, dehydration, sweat, hygiene practices, and a rare genetic condition like trimethylaminuria. Occasional changes in odor that resolve with hygiene are normal.

Is smelly fish OK?

If the fish smells sour or spoiled, throw it out. If the fish has a mild ocean smell, it's likely safe to eat—but if you aren't certain, there are other signs you can look for. For example, it's bad fish if it appears or feels slimy and/or has a dull color.

How long does it take for smelly water to go away?

Turn all faucets inside and outside the home fully open. Let the water run for 10 minutes, then turn off the water. This will flush out all the pipes in the home.

Why does my tap water smell like the ocean?

If your home's water smells fishy, the same bacteria could be infiltrating your water supply. Organic matter could be the culprit, such as decaying leaves or broken-down plants.

Is it okay to shower in stinky water?

In conclusion, water that smells like sulfur is generally safe to shower in, but it can be unappealing. If you're concerned about the smell, you may want to contact your local water utility or a plumber to have your water tested. They can help determine the cause of the smell and provide solutions to address it.

Why does my Brita smell like fish?

The primary reason a water filter fishy smell is due to the natural organic matter in your water source, such as barium or cadmium, etc. Barium typically exists in mineral ores and often seeps into pipes leading to a foul odour.

How do you remove odor from water?

Chlorination can kill sulfur bacteria. If all bacteria are not destroyed by chlorination, the problem may return within a few weeks. Increase the water heater temperature to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for several hours. This will destroy the sulfur bacteria.

Why does my pee smell bad even though I drink a lot of water?

Urine might have an ammonia smell due to eating certain foods, a urinary tract infection, a liver or kidney problem, or dehydration. Urine is the body's liquid waste made by the kidneys, which filter toxins out of the blood. Urine primarily contains water, salt, urea, and uric acid.

Should I be worried about a fishy smell?

See a GP if you notice a strong, unpleasant smell that doesn't go away. They can check for more common causes, such as body odour, gum disease, a urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis. Tell your GP if you think it might be trimethylaminuria. It's an uncommon condition and they may not have heard of it.

Does HPV smell like fish?

With BV, you will see an increase in discharge as well as a strong fishy odor that gets strong after sex. After proper diagnosis, you can be treated easily with prescription oral pills and vaginal gel. Many STDs such as Trichomoniasis, (“Trich”) Gonorrhea, Clamydia, HPV, Syphylis and even HIV can cause a vaginal smell.

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