Why is the water sometimes discoloured – brown, reddish-brown or black – and is it safe for drinking?
Piped water may be discoloured due to the presence of certain minerals or chemicals in the water, or due to high levels of turbidity at the treatment plant, or as a result of a break in the water main. It may also be caused by scouring within the pipeline, due to sudden increases in pressure such as after a disruption. Discolouration may also be caused by the age of the pipes on the premises. In most instances, the discolouration will go away if the water is allowed to run for a while. If discolouration persists, customers are advised to report it to the NWC for it to be investigated by the NWC laboratory. In nearly all instances, the discolouration is only a nuisance with no direct health risks.
