Most of the time, unusual water colour, taste or odour is easy to explain and there's nothing you need to worry about. Contact us if you think something else is going on.
Find out how the water in your area is tested to ensure it's safe to drink. See what's in your water.
Colour
You might notice the colour of your tap water changes from time to time. It's normally still safe to drink. Try running the cold tap to see if it goes clear again. There are a few reasons water may change colour.
- The pipes on your property may be old or need to be repaired. Call a plumber to check their condition.
- If discoloured water only comes from your hot water taps, maybe your hot water service needs to be repaired or replaced. It's another job for a plumber.
- We could be working on the water pipes in your area. Find out at water supply and service updates.
Cloudiness
Sometimes tap water appears cloudy, especially when the weather is warmer. The cloudiness is caused by tiny air bubbles that form when water of different temperatures enters our system.
When you fill a glass, you may notice the water clears from the bottom up. It should be completely clear in 30 seconds or less.
Taste and odour
If you're sensitive to taste and smell, you might notice metallic or chlorine tastes and odours. These may be due to tiny amounts of chlorine we need to add to drinking water to kill germs and keep it safe. It's totally harmless.
The smell and taste of chlorine should disappear if you let your water stand in a jug for about an hour or keep it in the fridge.
Black specks
Black specks in tap water are normally caused when the rubber from tap washers or O-rings wears out or perishes, often in taps that aren't used very much.
It could be a job for a plumber. If you're feeling handy, find out how to change a tap washer yourself.
