We often describe something bland as "watery," implying water itself is colourless and tasteless. But is that really true? The question of whether water has a flavour is more complex than a simple sip might suggest, touching on chemistry, geography, and even genetics.
It's Never Just H2O
The first step is defining "water." A glass from the Molonglo River differs vastly from one drawn from the Ganges, or even from your kitchen tap. What we call water is rarely pure dihydrogen monoxide; it's a cocktail of dissolved salts, suspended particles like silt, and organic matter.
As far back as 1683, scientist Antony van Leeuwenhoek observed countless "animalcules" swimming in water, noting it seemed alive. These components, along with additives like chlorine in treated supplies, directly modify flavour. For instance, residents in Winton are familiar with the strong sulphurous odour from their artesian bores, a taste that varies between different bores in the same town.
Memory, Genes, and a Preference for Home
Our perception isn't just about chemistry. US research indicates personal experience heavily influences preference. People tend to favour the taste of the water they grew up with, a comforting link to memory and place.
Science has also pinpointed a biological basis for tasting water. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley identified a specific gene in fruit flies responsible for their ability to detect water. Flies with this gene removed consumed significantly less.
Pure Doesn't Mean Pleasant
One might assume perfectly pure water would taste best, but the opposite is true. Those who have sampled ultra-pure laboratory-grade water describe it as flat, lifeless, and slightly acidic. Furthermore, it's not ideal for health, as its purity can draw essential minerals from the body.
This exploration highlights a privilege many Australians take for granted: access to fresh, clean drinking water from almost any tap. Yet, as the article notes, millions globally lack this basic resource, a irony underscored by the booming market for bottled water.
The Fuzzy Logic Science Show explores such questions weekly on 2xx 98.3FM at 11am on Sundays.
