Discoloured water
If the water coming out of your tap is discoloured or cloudy, it is most likely because of a change within your water pipes.
A sudden increase in the rate or direction of water flow through pipes can stir up sediment, causing it to become suspended in the water.
The sediment makes the water look discoloured but it is harmless and the water is safe to use.
Read a transcript of this video
What causes it?
Discoloured water can occur at any time, but it is most common in early spring and summer when our water use increases.
This leads to increased water flow through the pipes which can stir up sediment that has settled during winter when we use less water.
Leaking pipes may also result in discoloured water, as the water flow increases and disturbs the sediment.
What to do
Run a garden tap closest to your water meter for 2 minutes and see if this clears the discolouration.
Remember to re-use this water on your garden or pot plants!
If the water doesn’t clear please contact us on 13 13 75 and we will respond within 2 hours, usually by flushing the water mains in your area.
What if discoloured water stains your laundry?
Soak your laundry in water straight away. The staining caused by discoloured water is due to particles of sediment lodged in the fabric. The stain becomes permanent only if the laundry is allowed to dry.
You can also request a cleaning powder kit to help remove staining.
If the problem persists please call us on 13 13 75.
White water
Air trapped inside pressurised water pipes converts to tiny air bubbles which can give water a white or milky appearance.
What causes it?
Air can enter the water supply during repairs to our pipe network. For example, after we have carried out maintenance work or fixed a leak.
It can also occur when a pocket of air becomes trapped in the pipework inside your home.
Water with air in it has a cloudy or milky white appearance caused by the concentration of thousands of tiny air bubbles.
What to do
Allow water to stand in an open container and it will become clear within a few minutes. The bubbles clear from the bottom of the glass upwards. If it does not, please call us on 13 13 75.
