Why does water smell different? I am not talking about a different water source being the basis for the different smell; a different water source would imply a different smell due to the various compounds that vary and are dependent on the location of the water source. What I am more curious about is why water smells different from the same source. For example, if I take some water and boil it, let it cool, and then taste it… why does it taste different? There is no steam to affect my receptors, but did I truly modify it enough to change the flavor? But that doesn’t include water that has been heated by the sun, in a closed container, but never actually boiled. Warm water, and cold water from the same source, changes the flavor. The same substance, but vastly different affects on the human tongue. Why?
Theodore Maestranzi, asking the tough questions.