Why does the water sometimes appear dirty and discolored, or have a sulphur odour?
– Iron and manganese are often found in a dissolved state in groundwater. Generally, the water appears clear when first drawn. Upon exposure to air, or after the addition of oxidants (such as chlorine bleach or ozone), this ferrous iron is oxidized (“rusted”) to the ferric state to form insoluble particles. The water then looks orange or yellow, or in the case with manganese, brown or black. This can happen in toilet flush tanks and in the washing machine or dishwasher. Sulphur odours are caused from a small amount of hydrogen sulphide gas present in the groundwater that becomes more apparent in the warmer summer months. As little as 0.5 parts per million hydrogen sulphide is detectable by taste in drinking water. Occasionally an odour is present in the hot water only. This condition is usually caused by a chemical reaction which takes place within the water heater. When hot water containing sulphate salts comes into contact with the magnesium sacrificial anode, which is a normal part
