What is the standard taste of water?

From a scientific perspective, water's "taste" comes from our taste buds detecting the texture and temperature rather than actual flavor compounds. Researchers have found that our tongues have specific receptors that respond to water itself, which might explain why different waters "taste" different even when chemically similar. Personally, I notice that distilled water tastes almost "flat" compared to spring water because it lacks minerals. The pH level also plays a role—slightly alkaline waters often taste smoother to me. It's fascinating how something so simple can have such complexity! The EPA's water standards page explains how different treatment methods affect what comes from our taps.

This is actually a more complex question than it seems! Pure water itself doesn't really have a "taste" in the traditional sense—what we perceive as water's taste is actually the absence of strong flavors, combined with how it feels in our mouths. The temperature and mineral content dramatically affect what we experience. Cooler water often tastes "better" because it's more refreshing, while the minerals in tap water (like calcium, magnesium, or sodium) create subtle flavor differences. If water has a distinct taste, it's usually due to these dissolved minerals or treatment chemicals like chlorine.