Discoloured water is any tap water that looks slightly murky, cloudy, or tinted instead of clear. If your water appears brown, yellow, red, or even milky white, it’s a sign that something has changed in your supply or plumbing system.
Not all discoloured water is dangerous, but it should never be ignored. In many cases, the discolouration is harmless and temporary. For example, brown water might appear after nearby pipe work or maintenance has stirred up sediment in the water mains. Once the system settles, the water usually clears on its own.
However, persistent or unusual discolouration can signal a deeper issue, such as corrosion inside your pipes, sediment buildup, or, in rare cases, contamination. The colour of your water often provides a clue to the source of the problem, which is why it’s helpful to note whether it’s brown, yellow, cloudy, blue, or green before taking further action.
Usually caused by rust or iron from old pipes or galvanised iron. Generally safe to drink but unpleasant in colour and taste. Run the cold water tap for a few minutes until the water runs clear. Persistent brown water affecting only your property may indicate corroded pipes or rust inside your property’s plumbing.
Often linked to low levels of iron, manganese, or organic matter in the water network. Yellowish drinking water is uncommon but can occur after heavy rain or maintenance work on the water supply system. If it has an odour, lasts longer than a few hours, or affects only your home, contact your water provider or plumber.
Cloudy water or milky water is usually harmless and caused by harmless air bubbles in aerated water. Fill a clear glass and let it sit. If the bubbles clear from the bottom up after a few seconds, it’s safe. Persistent cloudy water, floating small particles, or odour can indicate water pressure or contamination issues and should be inspected.
Typically caused by corroding copper pipes or an ageing hot water service. You might notice blue particles or green stains around sinks, toilet cisterns, or washing machines. High copper levels can pose a health risk, especially to young children or pregnant women. Call a licensed plumber immediately to test and replace damaged copper pipes if needed.
Black or dark grey water is uncommon and usually caused by deteriorating rubber washers, hoses/fittings, or the growth of harmless biofilm inside pipes.
If your tap water appears black, grey, or contains dark specks, avoid using it for drinking or food preparation until the cause is identified. Contact a licensed plumber to inspect your internal plumbing and, if needed, have your drinking water tested to rule out contamination from metals or other substances.
Even if your plumbing is in good condition, there are situations in which water can become discoloured temporarily.
One of the most common occurrences is when there are maintenance or repairs on nearby water mains.
This can often cause sediment, minerals and other matter into the pipes that mix into the water supply, creating a brown or yellow tint. Plumbing work or other renovations can have a similar effect, loosening rust or scale within your own pipes.
Homes with older galvanised pipes often experience recurring issues due to internal corrosion. If only the hot water appears discoloured, the cause may be rust or sediment inside your water heater
If you notice that your tap water is discoloured, there are a few simple steps you can take to help identify the issue and prevent damage.
When it comes to plumbing and water quality issues in Perth, Tunnel Vision is the name homeowners and businesses trust. We have over 20 years of hands-on experience delivering fast, reliable, and long-lasting plumbing solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
Whether you’re dealing with discoloured water, a blocked drain, or an urgent plumbing issue, you can count on Tunnel Vision for professional service, transparent communication, and dependable results every time.
Contact our friendly Perth team today on 1800 631 799!
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