Does your water appear discoloured with red, orange, black or yellow and does not clear when you run your tap for a few minutes? You may be experiencing elevated metal concentrations in your water. This can be caused by:
Natural causes
Metals such as iron and manganese occur naturally in water. Iron and manganese are not always completely removed during the water treatment process and can slowly accumulate in the pipe. When this accumulated material is disturbed, it can cause discoloured water through your tap. This can last for several days however, if this is the cause, the water is usually safe to drink. If you have any concerns, please
contact us.
Fire hydrant testing
Around 98,000 fire hydrants are located in our service area. These hydrants help to protect our customers' homes and work places by providing an essential fire fighting service. Throughout the year we undertake maintenance to ensure water flow and pressure is sufficient for fire-fighters to use when fighting a fire.
The activities involved in fire hydrant testing and maintenance often lead to an increase in the water velocity during works. This can disturb sediment in the water network and lead to our customers receiving water that appears discoloured.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Discoloured water is generally safe to drink. However, if you experience discoloured water first thing in the morning, or after long periods away from the property, you should avoid drinking the ‘first draw’ of water from the taps. Refer to the results of the home test described below.
Home test
Fill a clean clear glass with the water from your tap and place it on a white sheet of paper.
Results
Particles floating/sinking in the water
Refer to the dirty water section below.
Blue or red water (or your sink, bath or basin is stained red or blue)
There may be corrosion of iron or copper pipes with your property's plumbing. This can occur if the tap hasn't been used overnight or for longer periods, such as after returning from a holiday.
What you can do
Turn on the tap and allow water to run clear before consuming. Your water should now return to clear. Contact a licensed plumber who will provide advice on what you can do to improve water quality in your property.