We work hard to make sure your drinking water is always top quality.
But sometimes things can go wrong, and your water might look or smell a bit odd. This page explains what to do if that happens.
What to do if your water looks cloudy or brown
Sometimes your water might look a bit cloudy or yellowy-brown. This usually happens because of a problem with our pipes in your area, like a burst pipe.
To see if there are any incidents in your area, click on the link below to go to our live map.
Run your cold kitchen tap:
To clear your water, run the cold tap in your kitchen until it runs clear. This usually takes about 20 minutes, but it could take up to an hour.
Don't worry, the discoloured water won't hurt you or your appliances.
We’re sorry if you have to use extra water to clear your pipes. Please contact us to be reimbursed for the water used.
Why is my water cloudy or discoloured?
Your water travels quite a way to get to your tap, and sometimes things happen along the way that can change how it looks, and occasionally it can become discoloured.
• Brown water:
Brown water is usually caused by changes in the water flow or pressure in our pipes.
This can happen when there’s a burst pipe nearby.
The change in pressure can dislodge tiny deposits such as iron or manganese sediments in the pipes, which can make your water look brown.
• Cloudy water:
Your water may also appear cloudy, or white, on occasion.
If you fill a glass of water and it clears from the bottom upwards then this means your water is just a little more aerated than usual.
The bubbles will disappear if the water is left to stand.
In most cases, discoloured water is not harmful and can be cleared by running cold kitchen tap at a steady flow until it clears. If the water does not clear after 20 minutes, please contact us for advice.
Why does my water taste or smell strange?
Sometimes your water might have an unusual taste or smell. Here are a few reasons why that might happen:
Chlorine/TCP/bitter/disinfectant/medicinal
We add small, carefully controlled amounts of chlorine at the treatment works to disinfect the water and a residual is maintained throughout the distribution system to make sure it's safe to drink. Please rest assured that chlorine isn't harmful in the quantities we add and we aim to keep chlorine levels to a minimum.
The chlorine may be more noticeable on some occasions depending on a number of factors, for example: distance from the treatment works, the time it takes the water to travel to your property and the time of day.
If you do have strong TCP tastes or smells from your water, please try the following:
- Check with your neighbour to see if they have same problem
- Make a note of which tap or fitting you were using when the problem started
- If necessary, replace the washer or fittings
- Rinse your kettle out before you use it
- If you suspect your kettle may be causing the taste, try boiling the water in a saucepan and use this water to make your hot drinks
- If you have a washing machine plumbed into the mains in the kitchen, check it has a suitable non-return valve fitted so that water sitting in the hose over long periods is not drawn back
Musty tastes or earthy smells
Musty tastes/smells are often caused by water that has been left stagnant after periods of non-use. You can also experience a musty taste when cold water pipes pass near unlagged hot water pipes or radiators where they can become warm. Running your tap for a couple of minutes will bring fresh cold water through.
If you notice this smell or taste for the first time, try using a mild household disinfectant to wash outside and inside your drinking water tap. But don’t forget to let it run a little before you use it again to rinse out the disinfectant.
Metallic tastes
A metallic or bitter taste can arise from copper, iron or galvanised pipes that have either not been fitted properly, or may have corroded.
If the water has been standing for several hours in the pipe, fill a washing-up bowl with water to draw fresh water through the pipe. Top tip! The water in the bowl can then be used for watering your garden plants so it's not wasted.