My water looks different – what should I do?

Sometimes tap water can look yellow, rust-coloured or brown or it may contain small dark particles. Normally this is nothing to worry about. 

What to do? 

 If there’s yellow, dark or brown water coming from your tap or your water has particles in: 

1. Avoid using your hot water until your cold water runs clear as this can bring sediment through your pipes and appliances.
2. Check for live issues and works in your area. Are you neighbours experiencing the same? If so, it’s likely to be due to a disturbance within our network.
3. Slowly run the cold tap closest to your internal stop tap (usually in your kitchen) for 2-5 minutes. If this doesn’t clear it, wait around 20 minutes and try again. Be careful not to run your tap too forcefully, as this can stir up sediment and make things worse.
4. If this doesn’t work and your water is still discoloured after 24 hours, please call us on 0330 303 0368.  

What causes this? 

This is likely caused by sediment in pipes which can build up when there’s been a disruption in our network such as a burst, repairs, or the fire service using a lot of water. Sediment can also build up over time in older cast iron water mains. To prevent this, we’re investing millions to replace these mains across the region.   

We continuously monitor and test our water supply. Brown water from your tap may indicate slightly higher iron levels and black particles may indicate a higher level of manganese.  

Water that looks white, milky or contains bubbles is harmless and it should naturally clear within 24 hours. 

What to do? 

If you have bubbly or cloudy water coming from your taps: 

1. Fill a glass and leave it to stand:
   As the air bubbles slowly float to the surface, your water should clear from the bottom up. 
   
   
2. Run your cold tap:
   Running your cold tap at full flow can help clear any trapped air in your pipes. If you can, use the tap closest to your internal stop tap (usually found under the kitchen sink).   
   
   
3. Check your stop taps:
   Sometimes, a faulty stop tap, or one that’s partially open, can cause cloudy water. Find and check your stop tap to make sure that they're fully open.  

What causes it? 

Disturbances or changes within our network can cause air to become trapped in the system which causes bubbly or cloudy tap water. Your water can even appear fizzy after a burst main has been fixed and refilled. White scum may also form on the surface of the water. 

If you have blue, green or any other coloured water coming from your tap, please stop using it until it’s been tested.  

What to do? 

If you experience blue water, please call us straight away on 0330 303 0368 to report it. We’ll arrange to have your water tested.  

What causes it? 

Blue discolouration can mean there’s higher-than-normal amounts of copper in your water This can be caused by poor internal plumbing, storage cylinders or even blue disinfectant boxes placed in toilet systems. It’s quite common in newly installed pipes and boilers as protective film forms after they’ve been fitted and it can take a few days for your water to run clear.  

Pink and black stains or slime may sometimes appear on your bath, shower or elsewhere in your bathroom or kitchen. 

What to do? 

You should prevent these stains from building up by: 

1. Use a bleach-based cleaner
   The best way of controlling growth is through regular cleaning. Focus on areas where soap and residue may build up. Leave the cleaning product on for about 30 minutes, scrub with a clean cloth or toothbrush and rinse. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products as they can leave a rough surface where the fungi can take hold. 
   
   
2. Check your storage tank
   Storage tanks feed internal plumbing except your cold kitchen tap and should be closed with a secure lid to stop dust and debris from falling into the tank. Check your tank for sediment and clean it if needed.  
   
   
3. Improve ventilation
   Improving ventilation in your home and keeping surfaces dry is one of the best ways to prevent growth.  

What causes it?  

Staining and the build up of slime is caused by airborne bacteria and fungi. We clean your water with a small amount of chlorine, but hot water systems inside the home can remove it, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow in warm, moist conditions.