What Is Tannic Water?

Tannic water is created when leaves, grasses, pine needles, and other organic matter falls into the water. The matter breaks down over time, giving the water that tea-stained look. Oyster Lake outfall. Photo by Elam Stoltzfus. In fact, almost all lakes and rivers contain some form of tannic water.

What does tannic water mean?

Tannins are a natural organic material that can be the byproducts of nature's fermentation process, be created as water passes through peaty soil and decaying vegetation. This can cause water to have a faint yellow to tea-like color, and can cause yellow staining on fabrics, fixtures, china and laundry.

Are tannins in water harmful?

While water affected by tannins does not pose any health or safety risk when consumed or used in the home, it can create some unique problems. Besides the unappealing color, affected water can have a plant-like, musty odor to it and will have an unpleasantly tangy aftertaste when consumed.