Is Brita Water Supposed to Taste Weird?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to water quality experts, the strange taste from a Brita filter is rarely cause for concern and is often a sign of a new filter or one that needs replacement. This guide will address the common question, "is Brita water supposed to taste weird?" and provide solutions to help you get back to enjoying crisp, clean-tasting water.

Quick Summary

It is not normal for Brita filtered water to have a consistently weird taste, although a slight difference from tap water is expected. The odd flavor is typically due to simple issues, including a new or expired filter, improper setup, or needing a thorough pitcher cleaning. Resolving these common problems is straightforward and restores the water's fresh, clean taste.

Key Points

New Filter Off-Taste: A harmless, temporary metallic or dusty taste often occurs due to carbon dust and air in a new filter. A thorough flushing before the first use resolves this.
Expired Filter: When the filter is old, it loses its ability to trap contaminants, causing stale or off-tastes. It must be replaced to prevent poor filtration.
Bacteria Buildup: Infrequent cleaning of the pitcher can lead to bacterial growth, causing a musty or sour smell and taste. Regular cleaning is crucial.
Improper Filter Seating: If the filter isn't seated correctly, unfiltered water can bypass it, leading to inconsistent and unpleasantly flavored water.
Refrigeration is Key: Storing the pitcher in the refrigerator and using the water within a few days prevents stagnation and maintains optimal taste.
Filter Type Matters: Choosing between a Standard and an Elite Brita filter can affect taste, especially if your local tap water has specific contaminants like high levels of lead or certain minerals.

Why Your Brita Water Tastes Odd: Common Causes and Solutions

Brita filters are designed to improve the taste and odor of tap water by reducing contaminants like chlorine, copper, and zinc. So, if your filtered water tastes worse than your unfiltered tap water, something is likely amiss. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common causes for weird-tasting Brita water.

1. The New Filter Isn't Flushed Properly

This is one of the most frequent reasons for an initial off-taste. New activated carbon filters contain harmless carbon dust and air bubbles from the manufacturing process. These particles, if not rinsed away, can give the water a dusty or slightly chemical flavor. The solution is a simple flushing process.

To flush a new filter properly:

Remove the new filter from its packaging.
Rinse it under cold running water for 15 seconds.
Insert it correctly into the reservoir.
Fill the reservoir with tap water and filter it through completely.
Discard the first two or three pitchers of filtered water. Use this water for plants instead.

2. The Filter Has Reached Its Lifespan

A filter's job is to trap contaminants. Over time, it becomes saturated with these trapped minerals and chemicals, and its effectiveness diminishes. When this happens, the filter can no longer absorb impurities effectively, and they may even be released back into the water, resulting in an unpleasant, often metallic or stale taste.

Signs your filter needs replacement:

The water tastes and smells like your original tap water again.
The filtration process slows down significantly.
The electronic filter indicator is red or flashes an alert.
Black carbon particles appear in your water.

3. Your Pitcher Is Dirty or Growing Bacteria

Your pitcher is not sterile and can develop a buildup of algae, mold, or bacteria over time, especially if it is not cleaned regularly. This happens when stagnant water is left in the reservoir or pitcher, particularly if it's not kept in the refrigerator. This bacterial growth is a common culprit behind a musty or off-tasting flavor.

How to clean your Brita pitcher:

Disassemble the pitcher completely, removing the filter.
Hand-wash the pitcher, lid, and reservoir with a mild dish soap and warm water.
Rinse all parts thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Replace the filter (or insert a new, properly flushed one) and reassemble.
Do not wash the filter itself with soap.

4. Poor Sealing Lets Unfiltered Water Leak Through

If the filter is not seated correctly in the reservoir, some tap water will bypass the filter entirely. This means you are drinking a mixture of filtered and unfiltered water, which can cause a taste that is only slightly better than tap water or still tastes weird. Make sure the filter is firmly pressed into place to create a tight seal.

5. Other Factors Affecting Water Taste

Beyond filter issues, your local tap water source can change seasonally or due to municipal treatment, affecting the initial taste before filtration. Environmental factors, water hardness, and even the age and material of your pipes can influence the water's taste.

A Comparison of Filter Status and Water Taste


Issue	Cause	Taste	Scent	Recommended Action
New Filter	Carbon dust and air bubbles	Dusty, metallic, or slightly chemical	Neutral to slightly earthy	Flush the filter, discard first 2-3 pitchers of water
Old Filter	Saturated with contaminants	Stale, metallic, or resembles tap water	Chlorine or metallic odor	Replace the filter immediately
Dirty Pitcher	Bacteria, mold, or algae growth	Musty, moldy, or sour	Unpleasant, often earthy or damp	Clean the pitcher thoroughly with mild soap and water
Leaky Filter	Improperly seated filter	Mildly off, tastes like a mix of filtered and unfiltered	Varies, can retain tap water odors	Press filter firmly into reservoir to seal

Choosing the Right Brita Filter for Your Needs

Not all Brita filters are created equal, and some are designed to address different contaminants and tastes. Knowing the difference can help prevent a weird-tasting experience in the first place.

Standard vs. Elite Filters

Standard (White) Filters: These are the most common filters, designed to reduce chlorine taste and odor, along with copper, mercury, and cadmium. They typically last for around 40 gallons, or about two months. They are the go-to for improving basic tap water taste.
Elite (Blue) Filters: These are Brita's longest-lasting filters, certified to reduce over 30 contaminants, including 99% of lead, asbestos, and benzene. They last for up to 120 gallons, or about six months. The enhanced filtration can result in an even cleaner, crisper taste, especially in areas with very hard water.

Maintaining a Fresh Taste

Keep your pitcher refrigerated. Refrigeration helps inhibit bacterial growth and keeps the water fresh.
Don't let it sit. For the freshest taste, don't let water sit in the pitcher for more than a few days.
Understand your local water. If you have particularly hard or mineral-heavy water, you may need to replace your filter more frequently than the standard recommendation.

Conclusion

While a brand-new or well-maintained Brita filter should provide clean, crisp, and fresh-tasting water, experiencing an odd taste is not uncommon. The good news is that this is almost always due to a simple issue with the filter or pitcher itself, not a defect in the system. By properly preparing new filters, adhering to a replacement schedule, and keeping your pitcher clean, you can easily resolve the problem and continue to enjoy the benefits of filtered water. Don't settle for a weird-tasting experience; address the root cause and reclaim your refreshing hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is completely normal. Brita filters work by reducing chlorine and other impurities, which changes the water's flavor profile. The filtered water should taste cleaner and crisper, but the change in taste from your tap water is to be expected.

A metallic taste is most often a sign that your filter is saturated and needs to be replaced. As the filter becomes full of trapped minerals and metals, it can no longer filter effectively and may release some back into the water.

To fix a dusty taste, you must properly flush the new filter before its first use. Rinse it under cold water for 15 seconds, then filter and discard the first two to three pitchers of water to remove any residual carbon dust.

While an old filter may harbor bacteria, the risk of serious illness from drinking filtered tap water is generally low. However, to be safe, you should replace expired filters and clean your pitcher regularly. If the taste is foul, it's best to stop drinking it until the problem is resolved.

The replacement frequency depends on the filter type and usage. Standard filters should be changed every 40 gallons (about two months), while Elite filters last for 120 gallons (about six months). Always follow the manufacturer's specific guidelines.

A slow filtration rate is a key indicator that your filter is reaching the end of its life and is clogged with trapped contaminants. It's a clear signal that it's time for a replacement.

A plastic taste, particularly from a new pitcher, can be from the plastic itself. Wash the pitcher thoroughly with soap and water before using it. If the taste persists, it may be due to the quality of the plastic or a chemical interaction with your water.