Which of the following factors can affect the taste of drinking water?

The presence of dissolved minerals and gases significantly influences the taste of drinking water. Different minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium can impart unique flavors, while gases like carbon dioxide can create a slightly acidic taste. For example, high levels of calcium can contribute a hardness to the water that some people perceive as a metallic taste, whereas carbonated water, which contains dissolved carbon dioxide, can provide a distinct fizziness and flavor.

While other factors like temperature and container type can have some effect, they are less central to the inherent taste profile than the presence of these dissolved substances. Temperature, for instance, can influence how refreshed water feels but does not alter its fundamental taste. Similarly, while the types of containers may impart some flavor, such as plastic versus glass, they do not compare to the more impactful role of dissolved minerals and gases in shaping the overall taste experience of drinking water.