Discoloured water - what now

From time to time the water's colour or appearance can change. Sometimes it can take on a yellow, rust or brown tint to almost black, other times it can appear milky white or blue. This is known as discoloured water.

What causes discoloured water?

Yellow to rust or reddish/brown and black water  is usually caused by minerals such as iron and manganese. While these elements are always present in the water in extremely low levels, an increase in temperature, exposure to soil or dirt or changes to the chemistry of the water can cause them to become visible and discolour the water.

Ageing pipes and fittings that are not cement lined can corrode, causing the water to discolour reddish brown. Milky or white water occurs when air becomes trapped in the pipes, usually after a main break has been repaired or from faulty pumps and air valves. It is harmless and will not stain your laundry.

Blue stains in the water may be caused by corrosion of internal plumbing. This is common if the hot water cylinder is made from copper. Discoloured water can also occur as a result of water main breaks, changes to system operations, construction and maintenance work, daily and seasonal variations in demand or fire fighting.

Is discoloured water common?

Discoloured water and other water quality issues are commonly experienced by water supply authorities in Australia and throughout the world. Addressing these issues to provide adequate, reliable and safe drinking water to customers is an ongoing concern for all water authorities.

Is discoloured water safe to drink?

Council carries out weekly water quality tests at various locations across Wyong Shire. The NSW Department of Health also perform regular water quality tests.

Although discoloured water may appear unpleasant, the water quality tests show discoloured water is safe to drink and is not a hazard to health.

Discoloured water does not cause stomach upsets or diarrhoea.

What should I do if I experience discoloured water?

If you think you might have discoloured water you should run the front garden tap into a bucket for up to 30 seconds to check the colour of the water. If it is not clear, repeat this half hourly until clear. Once the water in the front tap is clear, residents should clear the inside water lines. To do this run the back garden tap into a bucket until the water is clear. Water collected during this process may be used on gardens.

If the water in the front tap does not improve after several repeats please call Council's Customer Contact on 4350 5555. You should also contact Council if you are experiencing repeat discoloured water incidents and provide details of where and when the event occurred. This will help Council to analyse the information to determine further action.

Can I do a load of washing?

If you think you might have discoloured water you should check the colour of the water before washing clothes. You can do this by running the front garden tap into a bucket for up to 30 seconds to check the colour of the water. If it is not clear, repeat this half hourly until clear. Once the water in the front tap is clear, residents should clear the inside water lines. To do this run the back garden tap into a bucket until the water is clear. Water collected during this process may be used on gardens. Do not wash until the water is clear.

It is especially important to check the colour of the water before the final rinse cycle as this is the time when clothes can be stained. Avoid using oxidising agents such as laundry bleach as these products may intensify staining where any elements present may form as solid and will stick to the clothing fibres.

What should I do if my washing is stained?

If your washing becomes stained as a result of discoloured water, keep them wet and phone Customer Contact  on 4350 5555. Letting them dry or using bleach may set the stains. When the water clears you can try rewashing with clean water and good quality laundry detergent. Rewashing in the afternoon or evening can also limit the chance of discoloured water.

If clothes are still stained keep them for inspection to verify damage.

Can I be compensated for clothing that cannot be cleaned?

If you have followed Council’s instructions to remove stains, and kept all items and related receipts, you may be eligible for compensation. Claims must be submitted in writing addressed to The Manager Water and Sewerage. Please include copies of all receipts or obtain quotes where receipts are not available, photographic evidence and details about what compensation you are claiming. During the investigation, a Council officer may be sent to inspect your damaged laundry. Any compensation may also take into account the age (depreciation) and condition (wear and tear) of the laundry.

Can I use my dishwasher?

It is best not to use your dishwasher until the water is clear. Discoloured water will not affect the operation of your dishwasher, but it may stain kitchen items. If you are concerned about using your dishwasher please hand wash dishes.

Can I shower in discoloured water?

It is safe to shower and bath children and babies in discoloured water. As a precaution let the shower run until the water clears. Collect this water in a bucket and reuse it on your garden.

Can I fill my swimming pool?

Under current water restrictions, residents are allowed to use a hose to top up private pools. The filling of new pools from the town water supply is also permitted.

Residents should avoid topping up swimming pools until the discoloured water has passed. If you have concerns, run the front garden tap into a bucket for up to 30 seconds to check the colour of the water. If it is not clear, repeat this half hourly until clear. Once the water in the front tap is clear, residents should clear the inside water lines. To do this run the back garden tap into a bucket until the water is clear. Water collected during this process may be used on gardens.

Am I eligible for compensation for the additional water I have used?

Residents should keep a log of excess water use (date, what the water was used for ie bath, washing machine, dishwasher). When you receive your next water usage account, make a claim in writing addressed to The Manager Water and Sewerage, including a copy of the water usage account and log of excess water use.

Residents should note that running a garden tap fully open for one hour will use about $1.80 worth of water.

I run a business that is affected by the discoloured water, what can I do?

Contact Council’s Customer Contact team immediately on (02) 4350 5555. Council operators will inspect the site and flush water from the mains if necessary.

Why was I not warned about receiving discoloured water?

There are over 1,200km of water mains and about 61,000 properties forming a complex water supply network across Wyong Shire. This makes it difficult to determine exactly where and when discoloured water is likely to occur. However, Council will notify customers of unexpected events or planned activities that may result in discoloured water as soon as possible through radio, newspapers, Council’s website or individual letters.

Is there anything I can install in my home to prevent discoloured water?

Many homes now have small filters or aerators on tap outlets, however it is unlikely that they will prevent discoloured water. These devices can quickly become blocked, so it is important to check and clean them regularly to avoid bacteria build up.

There are also many water filters available that are designed to filter out contaminants from the water.

Council recommends changing filters regularly to avoid bacteria growing on the filter and then passing through to your taps. Consult the manufacturer to determine how effectively your filter can remove individual elements and for any maintenance requirements.

Filters on your washing machine do not necessarily prevent laundry from becoming stained, as the pH level of the water in a washing machine can rise considerably when washing powder is added. When pH levels rise, any metals present in the water tend to come out of solution and can stain washing. Bleaches can also oxidise any metals present in the water that can also set stains in laundry.

Filter installation is at the cost of the resident not Wyong Shire Council. For additional information please contact Wyong Shire Councils’ Customer Contact, phone (02) 4350 5555.