Advice to help if your water is discoloured

This work can disturb some of the natural mineral deposits within the pipes which can result in some temporary discolouration. This can range from a light straw colour through to a darker brown colour. We understand this can look unpleasant, but it’s unlikely to be harmful to health.

Slowly trickle the cold water tap nearest to your internal stop tap, it’s normally the kitchen tap.  Please don’t be tempted to turn the tap on fully so water blasts out as this can make it worse as more particles are then disturbed and moved along the pipe. If possible, try to avoid turning on other cold or hot water taps, showers or flushing the toilet. The water should start to gradually clear.

Discolouration can clear quickly, but it is dependent on the amount of mineral deposits that have been disturbed. It may only take a few minutes, but it could be up to an hour. If you’re on a water meter, don’t worry, that’s no more than 10 pence.

Please do not wash any clothes, operate a dishwasher or use an electrically powered shower if your water has a yellow or brown colour. Following the advice to trickle your first incoming cold water tap should help to clear any discolouration and then you can continue to use these appliances as normal.

If your tap water looks cloudy or milky in appearance this is usually due to air bubbles that have become trapped in the water while we’ve been opening and closing valves or carrying out repairs. To check the problem is trapped air, fill a glass and let it stand for a few minutes. If the water starts to clear from the bottom upwards this indicates that the water contains trapped air. 

The air within the water will release naturally every time you turn on your cold water tap and use the supply.