Why does my 20L jar water taste or smell different? 6 common causes
A change in taste usually comes from heat or sunlight on the jar (plastic taste), an unclean dispenser (musty or stale taste), a different mineral level (flat or salty taste), or a new dispenser or cup. Stop drinking water that smells musty, chemical or rotten, or looks cloudy or green, and ask for a replacement.
Six common causes
| What you notice | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic taste | Jar stored or carried in sun or heat | Ask for a replacement; store jars in shade |
| Musty or stale taste | Dispenser reservoir or taps need cleaning | Clean the dispenser (guide linked below) |
| Flat, “empty” taste | Very low mineral content (low TDS) | Normal for heavily purified water; check TDS |
| Salty or heavy taste | Higher mineral content (high TDS) | Check TDS; ask your supplier for the test report |
| Faint “clean” or chlorine-like smell | Disinfection residue that fades after opening | Let it stand a few minutes; report if strong |
| New-equipment smell | New dispenser, pump or bottle | Run a few glasses through and wash parts |
When to stop drinking it
- The water is cloudy, has floating particles or a green tinge.
- It smells of fuel, chemicals, sewage or rot.
- The seal was broken when it arrived.
In any of these cases, do not drink the water. Take a photo of the jar and label and ask for a replacement.
How Refillr helps you trace a problem
Every Refillr jar carries a QR code linked to the plant and batch it was filled from. If something tastes wrong, send us the QR or a photo on WhatsApp — we can see exactly where that jar came from and replace it.
Check your area or pincode and see your delivery days in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my can water taste like plastic?
Most often the jar was stored or carried in the sun or heat. Ask for a replacement and keep jars indoors in the shade.
Why does water from my dispenser taste stale?
Usually the dispenser reservoir or taps need cleaning. Clean it every 3–4 weeks, and more often in the monsoon.
Is it safe to drink water that smells strange?
No. If water smells of chemicals, fuel or rot, or looks cloudy or green, do not drink it and ask for a replacement.
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