Quick Answer:
A temporary change in taste after meter work is common. Repairs and turning water back on can stir sediment, introduce air, or change chlorine levels. Follow a few simple checks to confirm whether the change is local and temporary or something that needs attention.
Why This Happens
When crews work at the meter they often shut pipes, flush lines, or move fittings. That activity can:
- Stir up mineral deposits and rust that have settled in the line.
- Introduce air pockets that create a metallic or flat taste.
- Briefly change disinfectant (chlorine) levels when water is shut off and restored.
- Dislodge old scale from inside pipes so particles reach your tap.
These are usually temporary. If odors or tastes are strong and persistent, it could indicate a larger issue. For related situations, see Smell after water turned back on.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Run cold water for a few minutes
Open the cold tap at the affected fixture and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This clears air and loose particles. If multiple fixtures are affected, run a few taps at once starting with the one nearest the meter.
2. Compare before and after meter location
Check taste and clarity at a tap located between the meter and your house shutoff (if you have an outside spigot on the service line) and at a tap inside your house:
- If the change is only inside the house, the issue is likely in your plumbing.
- If water tastes different at points outside the meter compared with inside, the meter work or the main service may be involved.
3. Check for discoloration and odor
Look at water in a clear glass. Brown, orange, or black tints suggest rust or sediment. A chlorine or chemical smell is often temporary after flushing. If you notice unusual smells, compare results after flushing.
4. Test multiple faucets and appliances
Try cold water at the kitchen sink, bathroom taps, and an outdoor hose. Also check water used for drinking if you have a filter or refrigerator dispenser. Differences across fixtures help pinpoint the source.
5. Use a simple filter or bottled water until it clears
If the taste bothers you, use bottled water or a certified pitcher filter for drinking and cooking until the water runs clear and the taste subsides.
If you want more context on how repairs can affect water, read about Water quality worse after repair.
What Not to Do
- Do not assume meter work cannot affect taste.
- Do not perform work on the meter or service line yourself; that is usually the utility’s responsibility.
- Do not continue to drink clearly discolored or strongly off-smelling water without an alternative—use bottled water instead.
When to Call a Professional
- Bad taste, odor, or color persists after flushing several taps for 10–15 minutes.
- Multiple fixtures are affected or the problem appeared immediately after meter work and does not improve.
- Water is cloudy with floating particles, or you have signs of pipe damage or leakage near the meter.
- A household member becomes ill and you suspect the water.
Contact your water utility first if the meter was recently worked on; they can confirm work performed and advise next steps. If the issue is inside your property, call a licensed plumber.
Safety Notes
- Do not taste water to test for contamination if it appears discolored or smells strongly—use an alternate safe supply instead.
- Avoid DIY repairs on the service line or meter. Only qualified personnel should work on the meter and the portion of pipe on the street side.
- If you must use water for cooking or brushing teeth while you suspect contamination, use bottled water or water boiled and cooled according to local guidance.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Will the taste go away on its own? Usually yes—after flushing taps for a few minutes, the taste often clears within hours to a day.
- Is it safe to drink right away? If water is only slightly off-tasting but clear, it’s usually safe; if it’s discolored or strongly odorous, avoid drinking it until it clears.
- Could meter work introduce contaminants? Meter work can dislodge sediment or change chlorine levels, but intentional contamination is unlikely; persistent problems deserve a report to your utility and a plumber inspection.