Water looks different
There could be several reasons why your water looks different, and the colour has changed.
We go through different examples of when water has changed colour and what you can do when this happens. Click on the section you need help with.
White water or particles
If your water is cloudy or milky white, this is probably air. This could be caused due to thousands of tiny air bubbles and natural undissolved chalk.
Although white water may not look as nice, there's no health risk.
What you can do
Any white water in the mains network should clear within two to three hours. After this, run your tap for two to three minutes to check that the problem has cleared.
You can also try pouring a glass of water from the tap and leaving it to stand. If it is air, it will clear from the bottom up, this could be caused by network activity or works in your area. If this problem persists and does not clear then please contact us.
If you have a domestic water softener fitted it can release chalky white pieces of scale over time. We advise any domestic softeners are fitted separately to the drinking water tap. They should be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Brown or orange water
If your cold water looks slightly brown or orange, this could be due to a build-up of iron deposits. These deposits can be disturbed if a water main bursts or maintenance work is carried out.
What you can do
You can check if we’re carrying out work in your area or if there’s a reported problem.
If the issue is only from your tap and not your neighbours, it's likely to be from internal plumbing. If your neighbour is also affected it's likely to be the water main. Please contact us if your neighbour is affected also.
Flush your tap at the highest flow for 2-3 minutes. If the colour does not clear then it could be a potential issue with your internal plumbing. Please contact a plumber to look into this.
Black water or particles
Naturally occurring manganese can cause black water or particles. This could stain the limescale in your pipework. You may notice it due to a disturbance, like a burst water main.
They can also be caused by carbon filters in your water jug or broken washers in your taps. Black particles aren’t harmful. They may make the water taste slightly different and could stain clothing or fabric.
What you can do
Your water should return to normal after a few hours. After this time, try running the tap for two to three minutes to check the water is running clear.
Please contact us if you still have a problem with your water.
Turquoise, green, or blue water
Turquoise, green, or blue water is mostly caused by high amounts of copper. This often comes from the copper water pipes within your home.
What you can do
The build-up of limescale can reduce the quantity of copper entering the water.
If you have an internal water softener fitted, the amount of copper released may be increased.
Please contact a plumber if you’re worried about copper pipes in your home.
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