Discoloured water

Anyone connected to a water supply system can be affected by discoloured water. This is mainly due to the water source having high and fluctuating levels of iron and manganese.

Service disruptions due to discoloured water can be an isolated issue with most affected customers located at the 'dead end' water main or downstream from a water mains failure where discoloured water travels to the customer. These locations may require regular flushing which is varied based on seasonal water demand, age of infrastructure and varying levels of iron and manganese in the groundwater source water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What causes discoloured water?

Water can become discoloured for several reasons including (but not limited to):

Water source - all water contains natural minerals. The levels of minerals such as iron and manganese can fluctuate depending on the water source’s catchment, or in the case of groundwater, it’s parent material. Iron and manganese are safe minerals at concentrations found in our source water areas, although they can discolour water.

System design - water supply systems where houses are located at the 'dead end' of water main lines can build high levels of iron and manganese. These systems require regular flushing to ensure the buildup of minerals that cause discoloured water are removed.

Aging infrastructure - old pipelines can have a buildup of minerals in them causing discoloured water.

Water supply demand - low water supply demand in water mains can cause discolouration due to the length of time the water has contact with a buildup of minerals, such as iron and manganese, in the pipeline. High demand periods can cause mineral deposits to then be stripped from the lining of the pipe and transported to downstream connections, resulting in discolouration.

Water mains failure - water main failure can push surrounding soil into the water supply causing dirty water.

Iron based pipe materials - water pipes on private properties were historically made from galvanised steel. These old materials can cause discoloured water. In these cases, it is recommended that customers replace galvanised materials with copper or polyethylene which have been certified for drinking water.

Temperature - Chemical reaction rates increase with temperature, and this can lead to greater corrosion of pipes and fittings in closed systems. Scale formation in hard waters will also be greater at higher temperatures.

Is discoloured water safe to drink, bath in?

As regulated under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, discoloured water is deemed as an aesthetic matter rather than a public health compliance matter. This means discoloured water is generally not a risk to the public. If you have discoloured water, run at least two taps for five to ten minutes to see if the water clears. Outdoor taps are recommended as the water can be used in gardens or on grass. If the water does not run clear after this amount of time, call Liverpool Plains Shire Council on 02 6746 1755 (9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday).

What testing is done on discoloured water?

Every time Liverpool Plains Shire Council receives and attends to a discoloured water report, a staff member will investigate the water quality to ensure its compliance under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. The staff member will disconnect the property's water meter and flush the water main. A water sample is collected to view the level of discolouration and to test for a chlorine residual, which identifies a sufficient presence of chlorine to maintain water supply disinfection from potential contaminates such as microorganisms.

How long will discoloured water last?

Discoloured water can re-occur depending on property location. The time taken to flush the mains clear is undertaken until a measured water quality result is achieved. This timeframe will depend on the amount of discolouration being experienced but is usually takes about half an hour. During flushing, residents should not use water as it may introduce dirty water into their own system requiring further flushing time.

Can discoloured water issues be permanently fixed?

Discoloured water will always be an issue for Local Water Utilities, given the significant variation of causes.

Recurring discoloured water can be minimised by:

Customers replacing old, galvanised steel water pipes.

Water utilities replacing old water infrastructure such as iron material-based water mains.

Water utilities improving system designs and operations.

Water utilities installing or upgrading source water treatment systems or implement accelerated pipe cleaning technologies.

Source water treatment systems will significantly reduce the frequency of discoloured water reports that relate to increased levels of iron and manganese. Strategies such as replacing water mains or implementing aggressive pipe cleaning activities on a large scale are usually multi-million dollar projects and can have a significant impact on a customer's typical residential bill if implemented.

What should I do when discoloured water appears?

Run at least two taps for five to ten minutes to see if the water clears. Outdoor taps are recommended as the water can be used in gardens or on grass. If the water does not run clear after this amount of time, call Liverpool Plains Shire Council on 02 6746 1755 (9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday) to report the discoloured water as soon as the incident occurs. Council staff will take your name, location, and phone number. Staff will attend the property reported to flush the water meter and/or nearby water mains and investigate the issue.